Grace Helen Ritchie was born on December 18, 1946 on the family farm in the Loyal District of SK, the daughter of William and Dorthy (nee Donaldson) Elaschuk. She grew up and attended school in that district. Her mother passed away at an early age, so Grace was instrumental in the upbringing of her younger siblings. Grace also helped out on the farm, raising chickens, milking cows and feeding pigs as well as helping with the spring seeding and fall harvest. Grace was united in marriage to Robert "Bob" Ritchie on August 18, 1966. They were blessed with three children, Lauretta, Stu and Lynette. Grace was well known for her skills in the kitchen, not only for her baking - buns, pies, cakes and the like but for her perogies and cabbage rolls as well. She enjoyed watching curling on television especially the Brier and Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Grace's favorite team was the Alberta rink skipped by Randy Ferbey. She also enjoyed listening to fiddle music and often tuned into the Community Channel to listen to the music. Grace's greatest love was time spent with family visiting, sharing stories and telling jokes. She will be remembered for her sense of humour and outgoing personality, but also for her stubborn streak as well. Grace was predeceased by her parents, Dorthy and William Elaschuk; one brother, Arthur, in infancy and her husband, Bob in 2002. She is survived by her children, Lauretta Ritchie McInnes and her husband, Elmer, Stu Ritchie and his wife, Heather and Lynette Gerski and her husband, Marty (and their children, Cole and Alexis); her siblings, Tom (Gail) Elaschuk, Ken Elaschuk, Winston (Judy) Elaschuk, Barbra Grainger, Billy Elaschuk and Stephanie (Dave) Flett as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A Visitation was held on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK. Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. from Saltcoats United Church, Saltcoats, SK with Rev. Walter Farquharson officiating. The organist, Mr. Lorne Neil and the United Church Choir, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Blessed Assurance", "Would You Bless Our Homes and Families" , "Now Thank We All Our God" and "Amazing Grace". The United Church Choir Selection was "Precious Lord, Take My Hand". The Interment Service took place at the Bredenbury Town Cemetery in Bredenbury, SK with Garrett Elaschuk, Scott Laidlaw, Jason Cross, Trevor Sawchuk, David Fyck and Fred Schrader serving as the pallbearers. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
