Lila Letitia Constance Rookes (nee Gregg)
February 4, 1928–October 28, 2021
As published in the November 29, 2021 World-Spectator
Lila Letitia Constance Rookes (nee Gregg) was born on February 4, 1928 near Hanley, Saskatchewan. She was the youngest of five children born to Robert and Elizabeth Gregg who farmed in the area. Lila attended Gilead school receiving her Grade 1 through Grade 8 under teacher instruction and continued to Grade 10 via correspondence. After completing her schooling, Lila went to work in Saskatoon and then followed her siblings to the Fleming, Saskatchewan/Manson, Manitoba area.
Lila married Billie Rookes at the Rookes family farm north of Manson on June 23, 1948. Here they lived for many years, raising their four children: Gordon (d. 2010), Jack (Betty), Tom (d. 2011) (Dorreen d. 2016) and Valerie (Gary Watson).
Billie and Lila ran a mixed farm that included grain, horses, a dairy and later, Charolais cattle and a PMU operation. Lila was a true partner in the farm—driving the grain truck, fencing, milking, caring for the livestock and growing an extensive garden. Homemade buns with fresh jam and chocolate cake hot out of the oven were ready when anyone popped in for coffee.
Lila was very creative and always had several projects on the go. She enjoyed painting, sewing, crocheting and quilting. She gave many handcrafted gifts on special occasions, and she enjoyed sharing her talents including teaching her grandchildren how to paint and crochet.
Lila was an active community member with the Women’s Institute, Anglican Church, caretaking the Manson cemetery, leading 4-H groups and working at the Manson Rink. Anyone who came to the rink for a bonspiel or supper was sure to find Lila working in the kitchen.
Together, Billie and Lila enjoyed attending community dances, rodeos, cattle shows, horse pulls and going to bingo and the casino. They shared many stories of good times with friends playing cards.
Billie and Lila moved off the family farm in 1983 to the south side of Manson. Here they continued to help with the growing farm run by their three boys. Lila stayed in Manson for 10 years following Billie’s passing in 2003, maintaining her home, garden and yard on her own. In 2013 she moved to Elkview Lodge in Elkhorn where she helped spearhead activities and events for her and her friends.
In 2019 Lila’s cancer treatment was successful but this summer the cancer had returned and treatment was no longer an option. She was moved to Moosomin hospital in late September and on October 28, 2021 she passed away peacefully just four months shy of her 94th birthday.
Lila will be remembered for her strong determination, her tireless work ethic, her creativity and her laugh.
Lila was predeceased by her husband Billie, sons Gordon and Tom and daughter-in-law Dorreen. She leaves to mourn her passing: son Jack (Betty) and daughter Valerie (Gary Watson); Gordon’s children Angela (Brent Fines), Jacqueline (Travis McColl), Christine (Jason Curtis), Daniel (Carroll) and Nickolas; Jack’s children Terri (Bryce Eger), Michael (Leanne); Tom’s children Eldon Spears (Mily), Kim (Chris Zapesocki); Valerie’s children Ashley (Cody Moulson), Tiphany (Curtis Gardham), Tanner (Meghan); and 26 great-grandchildren.
A family service was held at Manson Cemetery on Monday, November 8, 2021.
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