Mrs. Bella Bilan of Yorkton passed away on August 25, 2016 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. She was 88 years of age. Bella was born on May 25, 1928 in the Sheho district, a daughter of Wasyl and Anna (Spelay) Byblow. She received her education at Deer Creek Country School. In 1950 she moved with her family to Yorkton and gained employment at Yorkton City Bakery and later at Scott's Fruit Warehouse. She was united in marriage to Max Bilan on September 8, 1965 in Yorkton and moved to North Bay, ON where Max was employed as an engineer with C.P. Railway. Life in North Bay kept her busy with raising her stepson Robin, who was her pride and joy. One of her favourite stories of him was how he tried to convince her that he could fry an egg on the street because it was so hot…"he tried". Gardening and playing cards with her sister Pauline and brother-in-law Harry Corroll, as well as attending Church regularly, occupied a lot of her time. She loved cooking, especially soups and crocheting and embroidery. The birth of her grandson Vladimir to Robin was her and Max's greatest joy. After Max's passing in December, 2001 she decided to move to Yorkton in 2003 so that she could stay with her sister Adella. Bella leaves to cherish her memory, stepson Robin (Donna) Bilan and grandson Vladimir Bilan; stepson Leo (Joanne Rosnell Bilan) and granddaughter Eden Rosnell Bilan; sister Pearl Baronasky, brother Morris Byblow, sister-in-law Mary Byblow and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Max; parents Wasyl and Anna Byblow; stepdaughter Phyllis Bilan; sisters Katie (Anton) Haas, Mary (Mike) Fransishyn, Pauline (Harry) Corroll, Donna Byblow and Adella Byblow; brothers John, Metro (Agnes) and Peter and brother-in-law Mike Baronasky. Prayers were held on Monday, August 29, 2016 and the Funeral Liturgy on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Ray Lukie, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The responses were led by Lorne Stechyshyn and parish choir members. The cross bearer was Robert Byblow and the epistle reader was Bev Esopenko. Reflections of Bella's life were shared by Robert Byblow. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Dennis Baronesky, Bob Fahy, Henry Tratch, Ken Baker, Wayne Maduck and Peter Kobylka serving as the casket bearers. Memorials in memory of Bella may be made to St. Mary's Church Fund. Condolences can be sent to the family at .
