Lucretia Evelyn Clark, 1919-2010

Lucretia (Reta) Evelyn Clark passed away Feb. 8, 2010, six days shy of 91 years of age with her family by her side in the High Prairie Hospital.

Reta, the third child of Robert and Abigail Norman, was born Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, 1919 in Redvers Sask. She lived a full and complete life, always steadfast in her faith in God and a ready friend to so many people.

Reta and William (Bill) Clark, were married in 1937. Their daughter, Margaret Ellen, was born in 1942, followed by Shirley Ann in 1946.

Reta was a self-taught seamstress, made coats, suits, kid’s clothes, wedding dresses and more, both for family, friends and herself. Reta was skilled at embroidering, crocheting and knitting. She did scrapbooking before scrapbooking was popular.

When Reta lived in the Little Smoky District she taught Sunday School for eight years in a log school house. Later, when they moved to High Prairie, Reta taught Sunday School for four years at St Mark’s Anglican Church.

There was always something to do for others in Reta’s life. As leader of the Anglican Girls Auxiliary for ages 13-18, or leader of the Anglican Girls Auxiliary for ages 6-12, there was plenty to do. As sewing secretary of the Anglican W.A. High Prairie, Reta was in charge of sewing and knitting for the annual Fall Bazaar, and also for sending knitted mitts and hand-made pajamas to Native Reserves.

Reta was Anglican W.A. president for four years. Naturally caring and selfless, when mothers would have to go into the hospital, or needed a holiday, Reta would take care of their babies for them.

Reta and Bill loved to sing and yodel. She also played acoustic and Hawaiian guitar and the fiddle. The house resounded to their music. She enjoyed taking part in the Hymn Sing at Pleasantview Lodge and J.B. Wood Nursing Home. She worked at the Boyt’s Department Store, where she spent 21 years before retiring. Always willing to help others, Reta took the training and then served two years helping on the Crisis Line.

Reta kept her unwavering faith in God, which she would draw strength from all the days of her life. Bishop Gary Wolsey licenced Reta as a Lay Administrant to help administer Holy Communion in this church of St. Mark’s in High Prairie. Reta attended St. Mark’s Anglican Church in High Prairie continuously for a period of 61 years, only ever missing when she was away visiting family and friends, or when she was not well.

With her infectious smile and her big heart Reta was well liked by so many people. She was a gracious and classy lady, who was loved dearly by her family. Reta will be sorely missed.

As she stands before the throne of God I am sure she will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

The funeral was held at St. Mark’s Church in High Prairie Feb. 12, 2010, with Rev. Joan Schellenberger officiating.

Internment followed at St. Mark’s Cemetery in High Prairie.

Reta is survived by daughters Margaret (Matt) Zahacy; Shirley (Russell) Fjeld; grandson Curtis (Joyce) Zahacy; grandson Kelsey (Rae-Anne) Fjeld; great grandchildren Collyn, Gayla, Justyn, Amber, Gracelynn; great-greatgrandson Zachariah; sister Jessie 0’Dell and brother Elmer (Ellen) Norman; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Reta was predeceased by her sister Margaret and brother John in 1922; father in 1946; husband Bill in 1968; her mother in 1979; brother Robert in 1998; great granddaughter Erica in 1997; grandson Darren in 2000; sister- in-law Nina in 2000 and brother-in-law Fred in 2005.