Gertie Stinson

STINSON:  Gertie (nee Steinhauer) was born in Suffield, Alberta on April 7, 1923.  She was the second youngest of four sisters and three brothers.  Most of her schooling was at Islay, Alberta until grade 10.  She loved entering agricultural fairs in the 1930's.  School kids would enter exhibits to be judged and given points.  These points were added up for baking, canning, sewing, knitting, writing, animals or flowers etc.  For three years in a row Gertie had the most points and was awarded a silver trophy.  Gertie attended business college and received a stenographer/secretary diploma.  She was hired by Belsher Accounting in Calgary.  She met Robert Bell in Calgary in 1944 and they were married.  Sandra was born in 1946, and Gary was born in 1949.  Gertie became a widow suddenly with two small children in 1950 for about five years.  She met Ronald Stinson in 1955 and his sister was Gertie's neighbor in Calgary.  The sparks flew and a courtship began, they were married in 1956.  Ronald became an instant father to Sandra and Gary as soon as he said "I do."  The family moved to a farm in southwest Saskatchewan in 1956, which was a big adjustment for Gertie and the kids.  She loved the role as a farm wife and was active community member.  Gertie and Ronald had two more children, Laurie was born in 1957, and Edwin was born in 1959.  Gertie was inspired to always try something new.  She loved the great outdoors, berry picking, scenic country drives, and nature.  Her favorite place on earth was Cypress Hills Provincial Park.  Gertie was an active United Church member and researcher for the UCW.  She studied and compiled information on many countries and made presentations to the UCW ladies.  Gertie loved reading, playing scrabble, sharing the baked goods she was always making, her family and all her beautiful grandchildren.  She made quilts for the entire family and her hands were never idle.  Gertie and Ronald moved into the town of Ponteix in 1997, and lived in their home until 2010.  They moved into Co-op Housing from 2010-2015 when they then went to the Foyer St. Joseph nursing home.  There they were together until Ronald's passing in December of 2016.  Gertie had a heart of gold and gave the best hugs.  She treated everyone with respect and love that inspired all of us to carry on the values she instilled in us.  We love you Mom.  She is now wrapped in the loving hug of Jesus.  Donations can be made in her name to the Canadian Red Cross 100-2050 Cornwall St., Regina, SK, S4P 2K5, or to The Foyer St. Joseph Nursing Home, Box 450, Ponteix, SK, S0N 1Z0.  Lemieux Funeral Home were entrusted with the arrangements.  For further information please call 306-625-3925, or visit our website at www.lemieuxfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to the family members of the family tribute wall.

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