WESTER – Gertrude (Gertie) Ruth Wester passed away peacefully at the Orchard Manor in Brooks, November 1, 2007 at the age of 96 years and one month. Gertie was born on October 1, 1911, on the family homestead farm near Viscount, Saskatchewan. Her early education was at Logan Rural and Viscount High schools. She took her teacher training in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1931 and 1932, plus summer school and night classes. Gertie spent over 28 years enjoying teaching, mainly primary grades at Logan, Lypton, Kelliher, Drake, and Haultain schools in Saskatchewan. Gertie retired from teaching in 1962 and married Ralph Wester, a widower farmer from Tilley, Alberta. They lived in Saskatoon for a time and then moved to Tilley and then on to Brooks. They enjoyed over 30 years together until Ralph passed away April 13, 1994. Gertie later moved back to Saskatoon and then returned to Brooks in May 2002 to reside at Orchard Manor. Gertie was predeceased by her husband Ralph, her parents Clara and Olaf Haugrud; brothers Clifford, Ebert, and Roy Haugrud, sister-in-law Inga Haugrud, step daughter-in-law Jeanie Wester and step great granddaughter Karlee Hayworth. Gertie is survived by two sisters-in-law , Anne Haugrud and Norma Haugrud, both of Saskatoon, four step children, Odd Ralph (Althea), Norman (Anne) , Arne (Bessie)Wester all of Tilley and Evelyn (Clifford) Skanderup of Brooks, 13 step-grandchildren, numerous step great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Gertie was dearly loved by all and will be deeply missed, but she is now in her Heavenly Home, where for sometime she has longed to be. She received excellent care the last five and a half years at Orchard Manor. Funeral services were held on Monday, November 5, at 2:00 p.m. from the Brooks Evangelical Free Church. Pastors Andrew Berg and Garth Everett officiated. Interment followed at the Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery, Tilley. Pallbearers were Lester, Curtis and Dale Haugrud, David and Lyndon Wester and Darren Skanderup. In memory of Gertie, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to The Gideons, Box 85, Gem, AB. T0J 1M0. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME, Brooks. Telephone 362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
