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Ramona Reta Down passed away at the General Hospital, Regina, on Tuesday, August 18 at the age of 88.

She is survived by daughter Cindy Moffatt (Kiaran Murphy) and her family, Brittany, Kaitlyn (Josh Lees) and Jesse; her son Terrance (Florence) Yanke and family—Amanda, Melissa and William; sister Estrella Seib; sisters-in-law Doris Ring; Barbara Down; Yvonne Down; Dorothy Chay; Carol Down and Blanche Down; and brothers-in-law Don Down (Marg), and Guy Venne (Dona). She is also survived by her many nieces and nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband Fred (1996), and son Bruce (1995). Also predeceased by her four brothers and four sisters and their partners—Willie (Emily), Eva (Ray), Margaret (Jacob), Victor (Isabel), Harold, Richard (Marj), Vi (Rudoph, Philip, Ed), and Wilhelmina—“Minnie” (Adolph and Bill) and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law of the Down family.

Mom was born on the family farm, north of Rush Lake. She attended Swan Lake School and then went on to Rush Lake School where she completed her grade 8. She starting working at the Western Hotel in Rush Lake and helped her sister Minnie at the central telephone office in her young years. She then moved from the farm to Swift Current with her parents, where she worked as a waitress for many years in Swift Current (Southside Diner, Modern Cafe, Venice Cafe). Mom carried many fond memories of her time with family and friends in Swift Current.

In 1962 she met Fred through an ad in the personals in the Western Producer. They married in 1963 and moved to the farm at Fairlight, Saskatchewan, with her two children, Bruce and Cindy. Mom worked hard on the farm with few of the conveniences that we have today. She was always busy with farm work, gardening, creating and cooking and doing what she could for others. I am sure most of us were recipients of the many handmade items she enjoyed making. She belonged to many groups over the years—Homemakers, Legion and was an active member of her church. Things were not always easy but Mom and Dad navigated the years together. With the kids gone from home, Mom decided to go back to work. She was proud to have worked at the Classic Inn in Moosomin for many years, and often reminisced of the fun they would have and the many lasting friendships she made during that time.

Mom and Dad were able to retire to Fairlight in the early 80s and pursue their many hobbies. The Town of Fairlight always held a special place in her heart.

Following Fred’s passing, Mom moved to Moosomin to be closer to her family and Moosomin became her home. She was able to enjoy watching her grandchildren grow up and spend time with them. Granny as they called her, attended every concert, dance recital, baseball or hockey game and family event that she could. There was nothing she loved more than for family to get together to celebrate. For a number of years Mom was able to do some travelling and in 2010 she decided to downsize and moved into the Centennial where for 10 years she enjoyed the many friends she had there and of course the card games. Mom was an active volunteer for most of her life and her faith in God was strong. We often heard her say, “God takes good care of me”. Mom found a wonderful church family at St. Alban’s in Moosomin. They brought much joy to her life. She was always an active volunteer and even as she headed into old age still loved to go to the nursing home for visits and Hymn Sing. Many will remember Mom coming into their place of business for a visit on her way home from a walk downtown. She appreciated every kindness, and usually had a joke to pass on. She always packed a lot into life.

Earlier this year, Mom moved to The Bentley in Regina where she could get the care that she needed to remain independent and to be closer to family. Although her time was not long at the Bentley, she loved living there. She told us many times how she was so happy to have her little place at the Bentley and to be able to spend more time with her family and for that we are grateful.

A memorial service was held in Moosomin at Carscadden Funeral Chapel on September 5, 2020. Mom was laid to rest in Fairlight Cemetery with her husband Fred and son Bruce.

There were so many people who touched her life and brought her joy over her many years. We would like to thank everyone for their support at this time. Your kind words and wonderful memories remind us of the happiness she enjoyed. Every one of you were special to her. We will miss her phone calls and FaceTime, her constant joking and of course the card games.

A special thank you to Berna and crew at the Centennial for all their kindness and care; to the congregation of St. Alban’s, thank you for being a wonderful church family; and to the doctors and nurses at the General Hospital—thank you for making Mom’s move to the next journey a peaceful one.

Ramona Reta (Ring) Down

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