Date of Birth: February 20, 1927
Date of Death: May 7, 2018
On Monday, May 7, 2018, Florence Rathgeber of Melville, Sask. passed away at the age of 91 years.
Florence was born Feb. 20, 1927, in Birmingham, Sask., to Philip and Katherine (nee Reinheimer) Schindel. She went to Birmingham School and lived with her parents and brothers on the family homestead.
Florence was united in marriage to Victor Rathgeber on Nov. 24, 1946. They farmed in the Fenwood district for 30 years, where they raised their eight children.
In 1977, Victor and Florence moved into Melville, where Florence worked at the King George Hotel for eight years.
Florence was an amazing cook, and anyone who dropped in to visit was always welcome at the table.
Florence’s favourite time of year was spring because she loved gardening and couldn’t wait to plant her flowers. If there was an empty flower pot somewhere, no matter how small, it had to have flowers in it.
Florence was predeceased by her parents; her brothers, John, Louie, Alfred, Walter and Sam; twin sisters in infancy; her husband, Victor; her daughter, Colleen; and her son, Melroy.
She is survived by her children, Diane (Ed) Stepski of Prince George, Roger (Doreen) of Yorkton, Bev (Kevin) Scissons of Saskatoon, Betty of Toronto, Lyle (Deloris) of Melville and Darren (Jackie) of Stony Plain; 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, Reinhold of Kelowna; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Florence’s funeral service was held Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Matthews Funeral Home, Melville, with the Rev. Doug Braun of the Melville Pentecostal Church officiating. The organist, Gerri Miller, led in the hymns, “What a Day That Will Be,” “When We All Get to Heaven” and “My Saviour’s Love.” The eulogy was delivered by Doreen Rathgeber.
Interment followed in the Koenigsberg Cemetery with Calvin Rathgeber, Tyler Rathgeber, Craig VanHam, Jason VanHam, Jamie Scissons and Paul Scissons acting as pallbearers.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
