Obituary of Louise Elizabeth Ross

Louise Elizabeth (Bender) Ross

1932 – 2021

Surrounded by family and listening to her favourite songs, Louise quietly departed this life on Tuesday afternoon, March 16, 2021.

Louise Bender was born in the Maternity Home run by Mrs. Phillips, in Morse, SK on August 6, 1932. The youngest of eight children, Louise was the only child not born on the family farm, which was located 15 miles SE of Morse, SK. Her family was hard-working, kind-hearted, and generous to all; this became the blueprint for Louise’s own life.

Growing up on the farm presented many wonderful opportunities.  Louise’s many happy memories included trapping or drowning gophers and being paid 10 cents per gopher, and bike riding around the countryside selling greeting cards, garden seeds, and raffle tickets to her friends and neighbours. Her favourite duty was herding and tending the cows - this afforded her the opportunity to take some time to sit in the shade and read books her Dad purchased at auction sales.  All throughout Mom’s life she loved to read – the books she enjoyed the most were history, fiction, and lovely books of poetry. The best time of year for Mom was summer when her cousins Doris and Sylvia would come to visit their Grandparents, and they could visit and play together. Louise attended Meadow School, assuming janitorial duties there for a few years as janitor in the spring and summer months. Her final year of school was spent in Morse, where she boarded with the RCMP Corporal and his family.

At the age of 16, Louise continued to live in Morse.  This is when she began working full-time at the Royal Bank, a career which she loved and would continue in for over 50 years. First transferred with the bank to Rosetown, Mom was then transferred in 1951 to Govan, SK.  The Govan area is where Mom married, raised a family of three daughters and one son, and resided on the farm for almost 70 years. Her banking career brought her much joy as she met many wonderful people in the communities of Govan, Strasbourg, Southey, and Lumsden, where she worked throughout the years.  She received many awards for her banking achievements, including being listed among the Royal Bank Top 100 Performers for Saskatchewan!

Next to her family, her farmyard was her pride and joy.  For many years, 200 dozen bedding plants were added to the already-lush display of grass, fruit trees, and perennials. People came to visit from far and wide to see the colourful array of plants and her unique lily pond. Her true love was her cactus garden, with towering ten-foot cacti which many a kind neighbour helped to carry indoors/outdoors every season! Mom worked hard to feed her family, raising chickens and pigs, and tending a large garden to provide for her family all year long.  Baking was where she really shone, winning numerous ribbons and even “Best of the Fair” at the Regina Exhibition for many years. Mom’s bread and pies were well-known for miles around!  Louise also dedicated many years to Corinthian Chapter #89, Order of the Eastern Star, where she made countless friends and faithfully served her community and beyond.

Louise was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Annie (Huber) Bender, whom she loved dearly and still spoke of often.  She leaves behind to grieve daughters Robin Ross, Sylvia Ross, and Yvonne Ross, son Linden Ross, and special daughter-in-law Dianne. Grandchildren Jennifer Robinson, Linden Wilcock, Eric Ross, Yvette Hicks and Amber Dickson, as well as seven great-grandchildren.

Special thanks to the Regina Pasqua Hospital ICU (Brandi) and to Speers Funeral Chapel. You treated our Mom with the respect and dignity that she deserved.

Mom, you continually shone.  Your sparkle, your laugh, your quick wit – and those blue, blue eyes.  Even the most ordinary outing would be brightened by your effortless elegance and style. You had a grace and a beauty that is beyond description but will live forever in our memories. We will miss your wisdom and expertise on so many topics, and especially your sound advice which you shared with us all.  No one will ever care about us as much as our Mom did.