Mrs. Valerie Ratushniak, beloved wife of the late Joseph J., entered eternal rest at Yorkton Regional Health Centre on Thursday, December 18, 2014. Valerie was born December 23, 1928 to John and Stephania (nee Topolnicki) Hrywkiw in Ternopil region of Ukraine. After her father immigrated to Canada to work, Valerie, her mother and sister Natalie joined him in July 1937 where they farmed their homestead in Buchanan, SK. Valerie attended Olesha school where she learned the English language and completed her high school at Sacred Heart Academy in 1947 in Yorkton. She obtained her teaching certificate from teacher's college in Saskatoon following which she held numerous teaching positions in Hudson Bay, Canora and Yorkton units. On July 14, 1951 Valerie was joined in marriage to Joseph Ratushniak in Canora, SK. They made their home in Yorkton and were blessed with 4 children; Terry, Sydney, Marianne and Teresa. They celebrated their 62nd anniversary before Joe passed away in 2013. Valerie and Joe travelled extensively including 3 trips to Ukraine, numerous other European countries, the Holy Land, Australia, New Zealand, throughout Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii and many other U.S. States. Valerie kept an impeccable household, spent many hours tending her flower and vegetable gardens and loved cooking traditional Ukrainian food. She was a devoted member of St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton and was involved in many parish activities, the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League (UCWL) serving on the executive, the Cultural Center committee where she and Joe volunteered much of their time, the three editions of the UCWL cookbooks and the church choir which she enjoyed immensely. In 2010, Valerie moved with Joseph to the Bentley Retirement Community Centre where she met many new friends. In 2012, Valerie joined Joseph in the Yorkton & District Nursing Home, Skinner Unit where she lived until her passing. Predeceased by her beloved husband Joseph, parents John and Stephania, a granddaughter Alycia Caine and her sister Natalie Wasylkiw, Valerie leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Terry (Debra) of Saskatoon, Sydney of Yorkton, Marianne Caine of Edmonton and Teresa (Steve) Pidduck of Saskatoon; a granddaughter Whitney Caine of Edmonton; numerous nieces and nephews and two sisters-in-law Amelia Ratushniak of Saskatoon and Olga Ratushniak of Yorkton. A Prayer Service was held on Monday, December 22, 2014 at Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home in Yorkton. The Holy Rosary led by Ukrainian Catholic Women's League preceded the prayers. The Funeral Liturgy was celebrated on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton with Rev. Father Len Ratushniak, C.Ss.R. as the Celebrant. The responses were led by Ed Pindus & St. Mary's Choir members. The cross bearer was Julie Abrametz and the epistle reader was Whitney Caine. Members of the Ukrainian Catholic Women's League of Canada formed the honour guard. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Terry Ratushniak, Sydney Ratushniak, Andrew Ratushniak, Steve Pidduck, Blair Ratushniak and Tom Abrametz serving as the casket bearers. Memorial donations in memory of Valerie may be to the Skinner Unit at Yorkton & District Nursing Home or St. Mary's Church Building Fund. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com. Vichnaya Pamyat! Eternal Memory!
