STROME: Rita Mary Monica
November 20, 1937 - May 29, 2013
It is with profound sadness that the family of Mrs. Rita Mary Monica (nee Reineke) Strome of Humboldt, SK, announces her sudden and unexpected death at her residence on Wednesday, May 29, 2013. She was 75 years of age. Rita was born on November 20, 1937, to Henry and Anna (nee Grunsky) Reineke in Humboldt. She grew up on the family farm northwest of Humboldt. Rita attended Gertrude Rural School, where she was taught by her sister Gertrude, and then Humboldt Collegiate Institute. After graduating from Grade 12, she began working as a telephone operator for SaskTel. During that time, Rita's friend and future sister-in-law Yvonne, introduced her to Bernard "Benny" Strome. The special bond that formed between Rita and Benny culminated in their marriage on October 26, 1960, at St. Augustine R.C. Church in Humboldt. Two children, a son and a daughter, were born to them. Initially, the Stromes lived on a farm near Bay Trail, south of Humboldt, then moved to a farm near Muenster. Eventually, a final move was made into Humboldt. Benny and Rita retired from farming in September 1994. Throughout her life, Rita was an avid spectator fan of all types of sports. While living on the farm and in town, she spent many happy hours planting and harvesting large vegetable gardens, and always had innumerable beautiful flowers as well. Even though Rita had some health challenges and was often in pain, she never complained. She was a very gentle, kind and generous person, who truly believed and illustrated the scripture "it is more blessed to give than to receive". Rita's family meant the world to her, and she derived much joy from her grandchildren, who each had a special place in her heart. Rita will be lovingly remembered by her two children and three grandchildren: Larry (Vivian) Strome of Saskatoon, SK; and Laurie (Dudley) Warford of Humboldt and family, Taryn, Colten and Shelby; one brother, Alvin Reineke of Humboldt; in-laws of the Strome family: Edward (Agnes) Strome of Vernon, BC; Marcella Berschiminsky of Watson, SK; and Arnold (Yvonne) Strome of Humboldt; and by many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Bernard "Benny" Strome (May 21, 2001); parents, Henry and Anna (nee Grunsky) Reineke; three sisters: Sr. Annie Reineke, OSE, Gertrude Dumontier, and Agnes Messier; two brothers: Henry Reineke (in infancy), and Joseph Reineke; parents-in-law, Joseph and Rosa (nee Menz) Strome; and by brother-in-law, Nick Berschiminsky. The Prayer Service for Rita was held at Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, on Sunday, June 2, 2013, at 7:30 p.m., led by Walter Sarauer and organist Dolores Hinz. Scripture readers were Audrey Strome and Mervin Strome, and the eulogy was delivered by Dudley Warford. The Funeral Mass was offered on Monday, June 3, 2013, at 1:30 p.m., celebrated by Fr. Ephraim Mensah. Others taking part were: Leonard Arcand, crossbearer; Margaret Dumontier and Colten Warford, scripture readers; Steven Arcand, intentions; Taryn Warford and Shelby Warford, giftbearers and memorial table attendants. Honorary pallbearers were "all those who shared in Rita's life". Active pallbearers were David Messier, Gerald Dumontier, Francis Dumontier, Perry Strome, Mervin Strome, and Wilfred Berschiminsky. Interment followed at St. Augustine R.C. Cemetery. Memorial donations may be directed to either the St. Augustine Parish Building Fund or the Canadian Cancer Society. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
