Obituary of Edith "Edie" Roth

Edith Roth, a long time resident of Bonanza, A.B. passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2014 in Dawson Creek, B.C. at the age of 87 years. Edith was born in the Old Red Cross Hospital in Pouce Coupe, B.C. on October 21, 1926. She was the second born child of Albin and Ellen Lundin. She was baby sister to her brother Ed and grew up during her early years in the South Dawson area. South Dawson School was where Edith completed grade 8 and her formal education. After leaving school Edith waitressed in various locations. She lived in many different towns and explored this land from Vancouver to the Minto Mines of the Yukon. Between waitressing jobs she was a baby sitter always longing for the grain fields of the Peace River country. When Edith did return to Dawson Creek she set up housekeeping and raising her first two sons, Stan and Wayne. In 1964 Edith became my Auntie Edie. I'm sure she thought she had found her little piece of heaven when she moved to the farm in Bonanza with Uncle Heinz. Here she lived the best years of her life and gave birth to my cousin Allen. She felt a proud sense of community the many years she served as a member of the Cotillion Ladies Club. Aunt Edie embraced Heinz's family. Whenever she saw any of us her face would light up and she would give her impish little grin and nod her pleasure at the encounter. My cousin Peggy reminded me yesterday about Auntie's annual Christmas card. It was her tradition to stay in touch with family and friends by hand writing Christmas greetings. As the years passed, Edie's fingers weren't as limber as her days of youth. I'm sure it was a painful thing to write all those messages but she did it with love. I know my family looked forward to the card and deciphering her annual update. Aunt Edie loved gardening, flowers, and berry picking. Stan recalls a time when he and Wayne were kids and his Mom took them out berry picking. The two boys had a great vantage point sitting on top of a hill while Edie picked Saskatoons. What she didn't know but they could clearly see was that she was picking berries on one side of a berry bush and a bear was on the other side of that same bush, enjoying an afternoon snack. As the brothers enjoyed this performance, Edie was hollering at them to stop fooling around and get back to berry picking. Thankfully, as they barreled down the hill they made such a commotion it scared the bear away. Those who knew Edie well knew she did not have an easy early life. The best thing that ever happened to her was the life she had in Bonanza with Heinz. Aunt Edie had health issues most of her adult life and 5 years ago we nearly lost her to a medical emergency. Her biggest regret from this time onward was that she was unable to go home. At that time she became a resident of BC and moved into Rotary Manor. Anyone visiting her in the last 5 years knows that all she wanted was to go home. She wanted to go home to look after the two men she loved dearly. Even though she could no longer look after herself, she felt it was her role to look after Uncle Heinz and Allen. All she wanted was to go home. Well, now she has truly gone home. She's home and she isn't suffering anymore. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, September 30, 2014 at 1:00 pm Alberta time at the Bonanza Community Hall, Bonanza, A.B. Pastor Gary Henderson officiated, interment followed in the Bonanza Hillhaven Cemetery. Edith was predeceased by her parents Albin and Ellen Lundin, and her big brother Ed Lundin. Edie will be missed by her husband, Heinz and her sons Stan, Wayne and Allen. She is survived as well by her grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. Special Memories of Edith presented by Gloria Cleve. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Edith to the Cotillion Rec Association, Box 78, Bonanza, Alberta T0H-0K0. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium