Elizabeth Riehl

With sad hearts but much gratitude for her life, the family of  Elizabeth “Betty” Isabella Riehl of Durban, Manitoba announces her passing on Thursday, January 4th, 2018 in Swan River, Manitoba at the age of 80 years.

Betty was born in Birch River, Manitoba on March 4th, 1937 to the late Margaret and Alexander Scorgie. She was proud to be a first generation Canadian. Betty’s parents met in Canada after arriving from Aberdeen, Scotland and they were married in Birch River where Betty and her brother Sandy were born. Betty grew up in Birch River, received her education and remained there until she married her husband Garth in 1961.

Garth and Betty started their lives together by Westray, Manitoba and then south of The Pas, Manitoba while Garth worked on the black top and hauled pulp in the winter. They spent a winter by National Mills and a winter by Mafeking before settling into their home on the Sarah Lake Road. Together, Betty and Garth built their business, which she was so proud of. Betty was not afraid of hard work and her many hours behind the scenes, greatly contributed to the success of the business.

Betty was a woman of many interests that included, but aren’t limited to: gardening, knitting, crocheting, camping, cooking and spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed feeding birds and counting how many different kinds appeared each year and most recently her hobby was enjoying the variety of products on the shopping channel.

Betty was known for her cooking skills; from her award-winning bread to her canning skills; everybody that stopped by was guaranteed to have a fine meal and leave with a full stomach.

One day, Betty was cooking pancakes on the grill outside. A friendly bear seemed to think the pancakes were meant for him but after a couple of helpings Betty had enough. Out came the broom and the bear never stood a chance. Betty was fierce with that broom. She scared away bears (more than once), unwelcomed house guests – both humans and animals and the odd guest that might show up that may not have been of the most sober state.

“Master Gardener” is a title that suited Betty well. She could take the driest, deadest piece of plant and in no time bring it back to life and have a beautiful and lush plant. The proof was in her orchids that bloomed so beautifully and the huge amount of vegetables that came from her garden every year. She loved working her garden with her dad’s old tractor.

The shining lights in her life were, most certainly, her grandchildren. Betty so enjoyed spending time with them and could enjoy hours and hours talking over cookies and tea. Grandma’s cookie jar is a favourite memory of the grandkids and it was a tragedy when the jar became empty. A lot of cookies were stolen from that cookie jar.

Unfortunately, Betty never got to meet and hold the newest addition to the family.

We were all painfully aware of the greatest loss in Betty’s life, when her son Al passed away suddenly in 2008. She always said that a part of her died that day too; she missed him everyday. It is comforting to know that she has found peace with Al in heaven.

Left to cherish her memory are: her husband Garth; daughter-in-law Violet; sons Rick (Ellen), Kevin (Charlotte) and Lonny (Kelli); mother-in-law Bessie, grandchildren Alexander, Joanne, Amelia, Benjamin, Matthew, Kim and numerous other extended family members.

Betty was predeceased by: her parents; her brother Sandy and her son Alexander.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, January 9th, 2018 at 11:00 AM from the Chapel of Paull Funeral Home with Reverend Kathy Highmoor officiating.

Should loved ones so desire, memorial donations in Betty’s honour may be made to Swan Valley Health Facilities Foundation. (Box 1450, Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0)

Paull Funeral Home and Crematorium are honoured to have served the Riehl Families.