RETA CLARK

Reta Pearl Clark peacefully passed away on March 14, 2005 at Ina Grafton Gage Home at the age of 100 years. Reta was born in Lauder, Manitoba on October 8, 1904 of Irish/English ancestry. She was the eldest of seven children born to William and Annie (nee Shillington) Keeler. Reta grew up on the family farm, and took her formal schooling at Truro, Lauder and in Hartney. She married George Houck in 1924, and they farmed near Lauder. Her life was centered around her four children, Doreen, Edythe, Bill and Donna. She retired and moved to Brandon (1968-1998), then to Kimberley, BC (1998-2003) and to Moose Jaw in Dec. 2003. Reta was a gentle lady and loving mother and grandmother. Her grandchildren, great and great-great-grandchildren lit the spark in her eye and put the smile on her face. She loved them all dearly. Reta was faithful to the United Church and was a willing volunteer when called upon. She will be well remembered for her music and playing the piano throughout the years into her 100th year. She recently received a gold medal for her 100 years commemorating Saskatchewan’s 100th birthday. Her adult life was healthy - a testament to hard work on the farm, Red Rose tea, chocolate and oatmeal. She enjoyed traveling and always made time to visit with family and friends sometimes involving a game of Whist/Scrabble. She enjoyed cooking and could not abide waste and lived a life based on environmental principles. Reta was a reluctant patient and always tried to avoid going to the hospital or any medical intervention. As one doctor said, "we can't argue with her success".  Reta was predeceased by her mother Annie (1971) father William (1950), five siblings, Lloyd, Lillian, Grace, Annie & Ken. She was also predeceased by her first husband George Houck (1966), second husband Roy Clark (1981), grand-daughter Vanessa Lynn (1982) and sons-in-law, Gord and Robert (1992). Left to celebrate Reta’s life are her children: Doreen (Gord) Howe, Edythe Phillips, Bill (Donna Jean) Houck, Donna (Ernie) Schneider Millar, seventeen grandchildren, twenty four great-grandchildren and five great-great -grandchildren; sister, Dorothy (Clint) Whetter, sister-in-law Marjorie Keeler, nieces, nephews and friends.  "Life's race well run, Life's work well done, Life's victory won. Now cometh rest" -J Mills

Guest Book

Don & Doreen Wagner - Strasbourg, SK: Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. What a wonderful life your Mom had and what wonderful memories you have. God bless her memory.

Rob Schneider - Calgary, AB: Reta, you were an inspiration to all of us.  Like the North Star that shines upon us all... your Love will radiate for a hundred years to come.  God Bless.

Bill Houck -  Calgary, AB: I think you were the most wonderful mother a son could have! God Bless you Mom.  Love, Bill

Donna Houck - Calgary, AB: You were a very special mother-in-law and friend. God Bless.  Love, Donna Jean

Tanis Houck - Calgary, AB

Dana and Jason Stauber - Stony Plain, AB: We were very lucky to have known Reta.  She demonstrated such a positive and energetic enthusiasm for life and was always ready for a new challenge.  This was especially evident in her love of playing the piano and her joy in sharing it with others.  We will always remember her. Our condolences to Donna and Ernie (Dad).

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