Vivian Mary Ann Richels, 1936-2016. Vivian Mary Ann Richels (Putland) was born on December 8, 1936 to George and Lucille Putland. She was born at home with midwife, Ila Boreen and was baptized April 4, 1937. "Viv", as she was known to her family and friends, grew up on the family farm outside of Churchbridge. She attended Dovedale school for most of her childhood years. On June 8, 1952, Vivian was confirmed in Churchbridge at the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Vivian attended Moose Jaw Teachers' College from September 14, 1955 to June 14, 1956. She began her teaching career at Dovedale and Redpath schools in Churchbridge. Then she got a job teaching in Leroy, SK where she met the love of her life, Alphonse Richels. On July 23, 1958, the pair were united in marriage at Trinity Lutheran Church in Churchbridge. Their marriage was blessed with five children, Kim, Dwayne, Wesley, Trevor and Ryan. The family lived on an acreage just outside of Churchbridge for 25 years. Alphonse was a jack of all trades as a heavy-duty equipment operator and Vivian was never one to stay still. She loved to tend to her impressive garden, she baked, canned and cared for her children. If you have ever had the pleasure of visiting Viv, you would know that nobody could leave her house without having some of her buns or baking that was always on hand. If Viv knew what your favourite dish was, she would prepare it in advance because that's the type of host she was. Vivian loved to travel to visit family and always came back with pictures to share. Vivian was a proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who delighted in her grandchildren and all of their accomplishments. There was always an open door at Grandma Viv's house; she would greet her visitors with a hug, a smile and a plate of food. Vivian was a faithful servant and an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church for the entirety of her life. She was a volunteer in the community as the treasurer of the Evergreen Club, a member of LWML, Communities in Bloom and was involved in church quilting. You could often find her playing cards with friends, golfing with the other seniors, tending to her garden and hanging out at the Evergreen Club. Vivian will always be remembered for her generous nature, warm smile and amazing cinnamon buns. Vivian is predeceased by her parents, George and Lucille Putland; her husband, Alphonse and her brothers, Theodore, Stanley and Keith. Vivian leaves to celebrate her life, her children: Kim (Bruce) Nixon, Dwayne (Glenda) Richels, Wes (Lisa) Richels, Trevor (Darcy) Richels, Ryan (Amanda) Richels; 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Elaine (Joe) Depape and Gloria (George) Sveinbjornson; her brothers, Bob (Marion) Putland, Gary (Laurie) Putland, Daryl (Caroline) Putland and sister-in law, Bertha Putland. Vivian will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. We love you and will hold you in our hearts and memories forever. A Memorial Service was held on Thursday, December 22, 2016 from Trinity Lutheran Church in Churchbridge, SK with Reverend Jeff Dul officiating. Words of tribute and eulogy were shared by Viv's granddaughter, Lindsay Richels. The organist, Vallery Putland led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Amazing Grace", "Safe in the Arms of Jesus", "Silent Night" and "How Great Thou Art". The Cremation Committal followed in the Churchbridge Town Cemetery with Viv's granddaughter, Allison Richels serving as the urn bearer. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting . Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, SK.
