Obituary of Mary Ruth Demerse

DEMERSE, Mary (née SCAMAHORN) 1920-2019 In loving memory of our mom Mary, who passed away peacefully on Friday, December, 20, 2019. She was predeceased by her husband Gordon in 1985; parents Bruce and Edna; siblings Harry, Milo, Earl, Bruce (Eva), Mina (Donald) Rosie, Edna (Neal) Kirkpatrick; son-in-law Jim Williams. Mary will be remembered by her four children all born in Avonlea, Sask., Joy (Keith) Strickland, Dwite (Linda), Lois (Allen) Lemon and Marian (Mark) Williams-Andrews; she had nine special grandchildren, Nancee, David, Neal, Margo, Shelly, Don, Scott, Diana, and Jill, and several great-grandchildren whom she loved and took great interest in their lives. Mary grew up in the Truax area where she met and married her husband Gordon. While he was overseas in WWII, Mary worked the mines in Flin Flon, Manitoba. On returning home they started to farm with the Demerse Brothers, Melvin and Gilbert. Mary worked hard at farming, gardening and being involved in the Truax/Dummer communities. She was multi-talented at sewing, crocheting, knitting, square dancing and cooking for company who dropped in. In 1969 Gordon and Mary took the opportunity to farm in the Corinne/Milestone area. This is where she started oil/water color painting and enjoyed every minute. After Gordon’s death Mary moved to Milestone and became active; prompting many years for Milestone Prairie Players, joining Eastern Star, and playing cards at the Drop in Centre. Here she was able to watch some of her grandchildren and they introduced her to the love of sports. If lunches were forgot, grandma’s kitchen was always open. After several years Mary decided to move to Regina Where she volunteered at Soul’s Harbor and Wascana Rehab Centre with friends. She also enjoyed the arts culture, shopping and traveling during this time. Missing friends and family Mary moved back to Milestone and into Carrington Court. Here she loved playing cards, socializing, and music, especially her pal Rory Allen. When she required assisted living she lived at The Bentley, Coteau Range Manor in Avonlea, and lastly at Orange Tree Living in Regina. The family would like to thank all her caregivers, especially Myrna and our friends who kept in contact with her. Mom enjoyed her 80th and 90th birthday celebrations and they were a highlight of her life. Mom will be cremated, and laid to rest on her 100th Birthday, at Regina Memorial Gardens, 4001 Victoria Avenue East, Regina, SK, on Monday, March 23, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. Friends and family are welcome to attend the graveside service. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com