On Friday, May 25, 2012, Helen Schotts of Weyburn passed away at the Weyburn General Hospital at the age of 78 years. Helen was predeceased by her parents, Wasyl and Alice Strijak; sister and brothers, Evelyn, Georgie and Nick. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 14 years,Vernon Schotts and family: her two sons, Kelvin Leibel (Trena) of Regina, children, Crystal, Chelsi, Cristie, Kenny, Shelby; Ivan (Colleen) Leibel of Regina, children, Jenna (Steven) Leppa, Bradley and Brian Leibel; her daughter, Tracey (Glenn Buckley) Leibel of Sherwood Park, AB and their children, Kyan and Maddyn; sister, Mary Karcha, Preeceville; brothers, David and Victor Strijak of Edmonton, AB; step-children: Lawrence Schotts, Weyburn; Lyle (Evette) Schotts, Norquay; Verna (Gordie) Lanoway, Arron; Wayne Schotts, Sturgis; Brenda Karcha, Borden, MB; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Helen was born on May 19, 1934 at Sturgis, the eldest of seven children born to Wasyl and Alice Strijak. She was raised on the farm by Endeavour where she helped care for the animals and babysat her siblings. She was taught to always work hard and do her best, which was the motto for her life. Helen took her schooling to Grade 12 at Sturgis, then took a Stenographer Course in Regina. She married Edward Leibel, June 4, 1955 in Regina. Helen worked for the T. Eaton Company, the Department of Revenue and Health and Services while living in Regina until 1972. After moving to Corning she was involved with the farming operation as well as a Trustee on the Corning School Board. In 1984 she moved to Weyburn where she met and married Vern Schotts on May 9, 1998. Helen worked at TS&M Supply and the A&W Restaurant while living in Weyburn. She was secretary for the Figure Skating Club and involved with the Weyburn Dance Club. After retiring Helen and Vern were finally able to socialize with their friends. They enjoyed playing cards, dancing, darts, bowling, curling and camping. On her own Helen was fond of gardening, especially trying new varieties of plants, sewing, baking and photography. She always enjoyed family barbeques, Christmas and Easter dinners, and was a wonderful cook and baker. The family always enjoyed a feast on special occasions. She loved her family dearly, as they did her. Funeral services were held Wednesday, May 30 at 2:00 p.m. from Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn with Rev. M. Barnabas officiating. Interment followed in Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn. The Active Pallbearers were: Brian Leibel, Allan MacNaughton, Lloyd Schmidt, Ernie Schenher, Lawrence Schotts and Harvey Karcha. For friends so wishing, donations in memory of Helen may be made to the Wheatland Center, Weyburn. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn (842-5432)
