Obituary for Verna Elizabeth Gerrish (Rickbeil)
It is with great sadness January 13, 2021 Verna Gerrish passed away peacefully at Melfort Hospital at the age of 93.
Verna was the third child of five born to Levi and Janet Rickbeil (McEwan) on February 2, 1927 at Mrs. Hood’s Nursing home in Melfort SK. She was her 1000th child. Verna was raised on a farm North East of Melfort and attended Stoney Creek School until grade 5 then moved to Naisberry School until grade 8. At the age of 14, Verna was required to leave school and help out on the farm due to family illness until the age of 18.
In 1947 she married and raised nine children. While raising her children, Verna remained working, 1960 -1976 she was a Commercial Cook. 1976 Verna started a hobby, upholstery, which turned in to her business "Gerrish Upholstery". While verna was building her upholstery business, she also did auction sales at Hodgins Auctions, both until 1989. Verna had to retire from her upholstery business and Auctions sales because of health reasons in 1989. Although she gave up her upholstery, she did not give up her passion of sewing. Verna continued her sewing through general clothing alterations, making brides and bridesmaid dresses, hemming curtains etc. Verna was a well-known seamstress and not hard to find when a sewing task was required by someone in the community. She continued sewing until the age of 93.
Verna had a great passion for her community. She was involved with many organizations by way of volunteering or becoming a member. Some of her passionate organization's included, Melfort Square Dancing, Seniors Old-time Dance, Melfort Bowling Assoc, Melfort Legion, St. James Presbyterian Church, Plus Industries, these are among the many she was involved in.
Verna was predeceased by her parents Levi and Janet Rickbeil (McEwan), Brothers Gordon Rickbeil and Mel Rickbeil, Husband Robert Gerrish, Sons Donald Davidson, Allen Davidson, Lavern Davidson, Daughter Shirley Simon (Davidson), Granddaughter Treena De Jong, Grandson Roddy De Jong, Great Grandson Shea De Jong and Great Grandson Keegan Davidson.
Verna's memories will forever be cherished her children, Calvin Davidson, Linda De Jong, Erwin Davidson, Donna Davidson, Charlene Shiels (Davidson). Brother Edward (Ted) Rickbeil, Sister Eileen Smith. Stepsister Audrey Larsen. Numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
Verna has left her family & friends with many happy memories to share. She would love gathering of family and friends to continue as this was also one of her favorite passions. Verna touched a lot of lives while she was with us, she will be missed dearly by all that knew her.
“I’m There Inside Your Heart”
Right now I’m in a different place,
And though we seem apart,
I’m closer than I ever was,
I’m there inside your heart.
I’m with you when you greet each day,
And while the sun shines bright,
I’m there to share the sunsets too,
I’m with you every night.
I’m with you when times are good
To share a laugh or two,
And if a tear should start to fall,
I’ll still be there for you.
And when that day arrives,
That we are no longer apart,
I’ll smile and hold you close to me,
Forever in my heart.
Friends so wishing may make memorial contributions in Verna's memory to Plus Industries, or to a charity of one’s choice.
A Service Celebrating Verna's Life will be held from St. James Presbyterian Church, Melfort, on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 2:00 PM.
Verna was the third child of five born to Levi and Janet Rickbeil (McEwan) on February 2, 1927 at Mrs. Hood’s Nursing home in Melfort SK. She was her 1000th child. Verna was raised on a farm North East of Melfort and attended Stoney Creek School until grade 5 then moved to Naisberry School until grade 8. At the age of 14, Verna was required to leave school and help out on the farm due to family illness until the age of 18.
In 1947 she married and raised nine children. While raising her children, Verna remained working, 1960 -1976 she was a Commercial Cook. 1976 Verna started a hobby, upholstery, which turned in to her business "Gerrish Upholstery". While verna was building her upholstery business, she also did auction sales at Hodgins Auctions, both until 1989. Verna had to retire from her upholstery business and Auctions sales because of health reasons in 1989. Although she gave up her upholstery, she did not give up her passion of sewing. Verna continued her sewing through general clothing alterations, making brides and bridesmaid dresses, hemming curtains etc. Verna was a well-known seamstress and not hard to find when a sewing task was required by someone in the community. She continued sewing until the age of 93.
Verna had a great passion for her community. She was involved with many organizations by way of volunteering or becoming a member. Some of her passionate organization's included, Melfort Square Dancing, Seniors Old-time Dance, Melfort Bowling Assoc, Melfort Legion, St. James Presbyterian Church, Plus Industries, these are among the many she was involved in.
Verna was predeceased by her parents Levi and Janet Rickbeil (McEwan), Brothers Gordon Rickbeil and Mel Rickbeil, Husband Robert Gerrish, Sons Donald Davidson, Allen Davidson, Lavern Davidson, Daughter Shirley Simon (Davidson), Granddaughter Treena De Jong, Grandson Roddy De Jong, Great Grandson Shea De Jong and Great Grandson Keegan Davidson.
Verna's memories will forever be cherished her children, Calvin Davidson, Linda De Jong, Erwin Davidson, Donna Davidson, Charlene Shiels (Davidson). Brother Edward (Ted) Rickbeil, Sister Eileen Smith. Stepsister Audrey Larsen. Numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
Verna has left her family & friends with many happy memories to share. She would love gathering of family and friends to continue as this was also one of her favorite passions. Verna touched a lot of lives while she was with us, she will be missed dearly by all that knew her.
“I’m There Inside Your Heart”
Right now I’m in a different place,
And though we seem apart,
I’m closer than I ever was,
I’m there inside your heart.
I’m with you when you greet each day,
And while the sun shines bright,
I’m there to share the sunsets too,
I’m with you every night.
I’m with you when times are good
To share a laugh or two,
And if a tear should start to fall,
I’ll still be there for you.
And when that day arrives,
That we are no longer apart,
I’ll smile and hold you close to me,
Forever in my heart.
Friends so wishing may make memorial contributions in Verna's memory to Plus Industries, or to a charity of one’s choice.
A Service Celebrating Verna's Life will be held from St. James Presbyterian Church, Melfort, on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at 2:00 PM.