SMART: In Loving Memory of Eleanor Isabelle Smart who was born February 23, 1937 at Ribstone, AB. and passed away July 16, 2013 at North Battleford, SK. Left to cherish her memory: her loving husband of 58 years, Ralph; loving children and grandchildren: Becky (Jim): Ryan, Sean, Craig & Jami-Lee; Rhonda : Ashley (Kent) & Daniel; Kerry (Lynne): Kaitlynn, Cassidy & Shane; Roxanne (Malcolm): Devan, Lindsay, Tyler, Haley & Gavin; sisters: Mary Dorland, Geraldine Shacker, Marguerite Houseman, Ethel (Mike) Yakimowich; sisters-in-law: Carol Smith, Jean Smith, Fern Smart, Doreen Erlendson, Shirley Bennefield, Betty Anne (Jim); brother-in-laws, Russell (Edith) Smart, Allan (Lonnie) Smart; nieces and nephews. Eleanor was predeceased by her parents: James and Eleanor Smith; brothers: Bob, Jim, Bill; brothers-in-law: Lyle Smart, Jim Smart, Henry Erlendson, Buster Bennefield. Eleanor grew up on the family farm north of Ribstone, Alberta. She was the second youngest of 8 children in a very close knit family. She headed to Battleford at the age of 15 to attend high school at BCI where she boarded at the United Church School Home. Eleanor met Ralph shortly after arriving in Battleford. They had a courtship of about three years and then were married on Oct. 6th, 1955. The following year they started their family and had their first daughter Becky, followed by Rhonda, Kerry and Roxanne. Eleanor loved her family and was blessed with 14 grand children that were her pride and joy. They kept her and Ralph busy travelling around the country to hockey arenas, dance and piano recitals, soccer and ball games year round. Eleanor loved socializing and was grateful for the wonderful neighbors, friends and co workers she had met over the years. She loved to coffee with the ladies, play cards and board games, travel, golf, cross country ski, and cook for people, she was an amazing cook and baker. Eleanor was known for her excellent sense of humor and the practical jokes she played on everyone. She was a volunteer and spent countless hours volunteering with the Sask Tel Pioneers, the Battlefords United Church and many other organizations. Eleanor was able to spend 61 years with her soul mate and true love before her battle with cancer took her from all of us. Having Eleanor in our lives was an immense gift from God, one that we are all grateful for and will carry with us always. Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for Eleanor's life was held Saturday, July 20, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. from Battleford United Church, Battleford, SK with Rev. Nora Borgeson officiating. Shared Memories were given by Becky, Rhonda, Kerry & Roxanne and Memories of Grandma by her Grandchildren. Music Ministry was Organist ~ Mrs. M. Junice Headley; Battleford United Church Sanctuary Choir; Hymn Selection - "In The Garden"; and Soloist - Emilee Mirau ~ "Wind Beneath My Wings" ~ "Jealous Of The Angels" & "Heaven Now My Home". The Urn Bearer was Sean Cuthbert and Honourary Pallbearers ~ "All Her Friends". Honourary Grandchildren ~ Rylan, Aiden and Kendall. Memorials are requested to Battlefords Union Hospital Foundation Inc. Box 1358, North Battleford, SK. S9A 3L8 (designated to the Palliative Care Unit) and Canadian Cancer Society. Interment will take place at The Columbaria - Town Of Battleford Cemetery, Battleford, SK at a later date. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Battlefords Funeral Service. (306) 446-4200 Card of Thanks Ralph and family wish to thank all of you who made our difficult time easier. Thank you to our amazing neighbours, friends, and family for being there and helping with meals, flowers, and sending thoughts and prayers. Special thanks to Dr. Prystupa and the Palliative nursing staff at BUH for the care and compassion shown to our Mom. Thanks to Rev. Nora Borgeson, Emilee Mirau, for her gift of song, and to Bob Mackay of Battlefords Funeral Service. We will miss her but with all your help and continuous friendship, support, and God's care, we will be okay. ____________________________________________________
