Obituary of Rosalie Grams

It is with deep sadness, we as her family, announce the passing of our mom, Rosalie Grams, on Sunday, December 16 at the age of 87 years. Mom is survived by her children Leona Jahns, Delores (Vincent) Badry, Vernon (Bernie Mason), Dale Lanuk, Audrey (Raymond) Van Den Bussche and Ivan (Sadie Ward); grandchildren Alan (JoDean) Jahns, Scott Jahns, Sean Jahns (Haley), Jeff (Lisa) Ziehr, Byron Badry (Soonhe), Martin (Kathy) Badry, Ashley Badry, Robert Grams, (Carey), Joey Grams, Mikki (Beth) Lanuk, Danny Lanuk, Michael (Heather) Pohl, Marcie (Ben) Smith, Andrew (Stacey) Van Den Bussche, Kelly Van Den Bussche, and Karlee Van Den Bussche; eighteen great grandchildren; son-in-law, Morris Lanuk; brothers Arnold (Alyse) Knopp, Reinhold (Ann) Knopp and Edward (Doreen) Knopp; brother-in-law, Jerry (Alvina) Brandon; sisters-in-law Ella (Ben) Rehaume, Val Knop and Loret Grams; brother-in-law, Gordon (Phyllis) Grams with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Leo, (February 7, 2006); son-in-law Herbert Jahns (November 30, 2011); daughter Sandra Soderquist (September 4, 2004); sons Melvin (November 10, 1968) and Darwin (July 15, 1959); son-in-law Ronald Ziehr (December 7, 1971); and step-sister Carol Brandon (February 25, 2010). Mom was born February 2, 1921 to parents Edward and Ida Knopp at Hay Lake. Her young life held the tragedy of losing her mother to tuberculosis, and her older brother, Wilfred, losing his life due to a farm accident. With the untimely death of her mother, our mom took on the duties of raising her three younger brothers. Dad and mom were married May 29, 1946 starting their family soon after. Raising eight children at various locations before purchasing the farm at Hay Lakes in 1963. In the early years, there was no running water, indoor bathroom, or automatic washer and dryer. Wash day was usually Monday and was an all-day event with ironing to follow. Being in the barns for milking, helping with harvest, tending her garden, making meals. Mom could whip up a meal with whatever might be left over - there was no waste. She could mix up a pan of brownies with her eyes closed. There was no need for a recipe. Mom loved Christmas. This season brought many hours of her knitting, making sure each of us had the required toque, scarf and mittens. Plus all the baking - especially the fruit cake. This was where Dad was willing to help. Like mom didn't know he had added more brandy to the mixture when he thought she wasn't looking. Mom and dad experienced deep pain when their oldest son, Melvin, was tragically killed. That sad day took a bounce out of their step that never returned. And again when their daughter, Sandra, passed away. But with tragedy comes happiness as their children were starting lives of their own, with grandchildren soon coming. All birthdays, anniversaries, holidays were celebrated at the farm. Dinners became potluck. There was joy, tears, some arguments, but one thing for sure, mom's family was home. Mom's knitting and crocheting skills are legendary. She could figure out how to make things usually by just looking at it. She learnt how to do stitching on monk's cloth, eventually creating her own designs. Each child, grandchild and great-grandchild has a doily, tablecloth, afghan (or two) to remember her by. She loved having her family around. Grandchildren staying during summer vacations, watching them build their tree houses, taking them on trips, teaching them baking and canning skills. After the passing of Dad, mom was faced with the decision to move in to a lodge in Camrose and eventually selling the farm. A place where her and Dad called home for over forty four years. Mom loved living at Rosealta Lodge. She was secure and happy there. Friendships were quickly made. Mom settled into her lodge routine of doing life and lively exercises, playing card bingo and Skippo, doing crafts, enjoying the morning music performed by two of the resident ladies. And like at the farm, Mom's door was always open to family and friends. A funeral service was held on Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. from Our Saviours Lutheran Church Hay Lakes with Rev. Donald Bolstad offciating. Interment took place in the church cemetery. Memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to Our Saviours Lutheran Church or cemetery fund, or the charity of one's choice.