Elizabeth Ratushniak

Elizabeth Ratushniak, beloved wife of the late Steve Ratushniak of Canora, SK, passed away at the Canora Gateway Lodge on December 27, 2017, at the age of 92 years. Elizabeth was born on August 26, 1925, to Andrew and Polly (Gazdewich) Dutchak in the Amsterdam District, SK. The oldest of six children, she attended Forest Hill Country School and achieved her grade eight education. Elizabeth met Steve Ratushniak when he moved to Saskatchewan and purchased land north of Canora, SK. On June 12, 1943, they were united in marriage at the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Canora, SK. Together they were blessed with two sons, Leonard and Eugene. The family operated a mixed farm, raising livestock and farming the land. Elizabeth loved playing cards and visiting with friends and neighbours. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, sewing, crocheting and playing Bingo. She was a member of the U.C.W.L for many years and would help out in any way she could. She especially enjoyed making perogies and chatting while they sampled them.After Steve passed away in 1980, Elizabeth had to get her driver’s license. She gained employment in the housekeeping department at the Canora Gateway Lodge, where she continued to work until her retirement at the age of 65. Elizabeth continued to live on the farm with Leonard until June 6, 2006, when she became a permanent resident of the Canora Gateway Lodge, where she continued to reside until her passing on December 27, 2017. She will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.Elizabeth was predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Polly; husband, Steve; son, Eugene; and her brother, Steve Dutchak; sister, Nellie Parnetta and sister-in-law, Leona Dutchak.She is survived by her son, Leonard Ratushniak of Canora, SK; daughter-in-law, Laverne (Cliff) Jendrasheske of Yorkton, SK; and brothers: Joe (Pauline) Dutchak of Canora, SK, Eugene Dutchak of Neepawa, MB, and Orest (Rosalyn) Dutchak of Winnipeg, MB; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.A Prayer Service was held at 7:00 pm, Wednesday, January 3, 2018, and Funeral Liturgy celebrated at 10:00 am, Thursday, January 4, 2018, both from Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, Canora, SK, with Very Rev. Fr. Rac, as Celebrant. Rite of Committal followed in the Canora Cemetery. Those wishing to make expressions of sympathy may make donations to the Canora Gateway Lodge Auxiliary, as tokens of remembrance, in memory of Elizabeth Ratushniak.