Obituary of Bette Kathleen Catling

Bette passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 17, 2009 after a short illness. She was born on September 22, 1920 in Regina, Saskatchewan. She was predeceased by her parents Harry Crabtree and Kathryn (Scott) Crabtree, husband Douglas Allan Catling in 2007; brother Jack Crabtree; nieces Maureen and Trudy Crabtree. She is survived by daughters Marlyn (Michael) Keaschuk, Regina Beach and Virginia (Garry) Munro, Buena Vista; grandchildren Riley (Jacqueline) Munro, Regina, Anna Keaschuk, Edmonton, and Evan Keaschuk, Ottawa; great-grandchild Isaiah Munro; sister-in-law Betty Crabtree, Regina and nephew Harry Crabtree and family, Calgary. Regina Beach was an extremely important part of her life, especially childhood summers. Bette often recounted happy memories of her brother Jack and friends at the lake. She was an accomplished athlete who enjoyed tennis, golf, and swimming. Later she shared happy summers with her girls and then grandchildren. She enjoyed being at the lake and outside in her yard after she and Doug became permanent residents of the community in 1979. She loved the changing seasons as seen from her lakeside windows, paying close attention to the seasonal animals and birds. When the lake froze, she always knew who had fishing shacks on the lake and what wintertime activity was happening. Her family was welcome at the lake, especially during Christmas when everyone, particularly her grandchildren, enjoyed her baking. Bette was a story-teller who was fond of reminiscing about her childhood and her travels with Doug, especially during his association with the Wa Wa Shrine Motor Patrol. Bette always encouraged her children and grandchildren to travel as often as possible. Following Dougs death, she moved to the Bentley in Regina where she continued to bird-watch and care for her plants on her balcony. She enjoyed the scenery and activity from her window. Bette was a loving mother and wife, and a caring grandmother who was looking forward to the birth of a new great-grandchild in November. The family wishes to thank Dr. Stewart McMillan, the nursing staff at the Pasqua Hospital, and Pat MacGillivray. Memorial service will be held Monday, October 19 (TODAY), 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in First Baptist Church, 2241 Victoria Avenue, Regina, SK with Pastor Joel Russell-MacLean officiating. Interment in Regina Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Palliative Care Unit of the Pasqua Hospital, 4F-4101 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, SK S4T 7T1 or to a charity of choice. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com