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MARTHA RENAS JOHNSON Martha Johnson went to be with her Lord on December 2, 2007 at the age of 89 years. She passed away peacefully with her daughter and son-in-law at her side at the Flin Flon General Hospital. A celebration of her life was held at First United Lutheran Church on December 6, 2007 with Reverend Raymond Knight officiating. Active pallbearers were Richard Bonick, Bill Baginski, Dale Powell, Ken Mensch, Murray Stephenson and Olaf Hettrick. Ushers were Emilie Lies and Dela Chilson, and Ruth McIntosh was the memorial register attendant. During the service, Janice Rowe, long time friend and former neighbour, gave the eulogy, Lori Suss sang ÒIn the GardenÓ accompanied by Belinda Bratvold, and Diane Therien read a poem for Mom. Martha was laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery beside her husband Bob and son Bob Jr. Lunch following was served at the church by the Lutheran Church Women. Remaining to always love and remember her are daughter and son-in-law, Linda and LaVerne Hinzman, sister Millie Barber of Fort QuÕAppelle, Fred Bonick (Adeline) of Melville, sisters-in-law Frieda Bonick of Melville, Elsie Renas of Prince Albert and Marg Schlosser of Flin Flon, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and lots of friends. She was predeceased by her son Bob Renas Jr. in 1966 in a mining accident, her husband Bob Renas Sr. in 1971, second husband Laurie Johnson in 1996, sister Alma and brothers Joe and Bill. Martha was born in Neudorf, Sask. Her family moved to Lipton, Sask. where she grew up and was educated. There she met and fell in love with Bob Renas. She and Bob were married in 1938 and lived in Balcarres and Wynyard before moving to Flin Flon in 1943. Bob came to Flin Flon ahead of Martha to look for work and then sent for her after hiring on at HBMS. When Martha arrived on the train, there was no Bob to meet her, so she went to the Main Office and found out Bob had broken his leg and was in the hospital. So began their life in Flin Flon. Martha was a very hard worker and worked at several places throughout her life. She worked as a certified egg candler at the Flin Flon Dairy for Tikkanens, and later as a cook for them at the original Bakers Narrows Lodge. She also worked as a cook at the present Bakers Narrows Lodge when it was new. As well, Martha and Bob owned and operated The Candy Bar in Ross Lake for a number of years. Here she made the best tea biscuits and all the Town men would come for coffee and even sit outside on the sidewalk if there was no room inside. Later Martha worked at Central Meat and Grocery and then as a cook and supervisor at the HBMS staff house. She was a wonderful cook and baker. Her pies were THE BEST. Martha retired in 1981 and married Laurie Johnson. They spent many winters in Phoenix, Arizona with a lot of Flin Flon friends and their summers at the cabin at Bakers Narrows. She enjoyed quilting at the Lutheran Church, playing cards with family and friends and at the Seniors Centre. She curled at Ross Lake, took up the game of golf at age 65 in Phoenix and even got a hole-in-one, and enjoyed watching the Blue Jays on TV Ð she would stay up as late as the games would go to see her team win or lose. There were two things that meant the most to Martha Ð her family and her church. She was an active member of the First United Lutheran Church and was on the Board of the Lutheran Synod of Central Canada, served on the Church Council, taught Sunday School, was an Advisor for Luther League and was a member and former President of the Lutheran Church Women (LCW). Martha and Bob were part of the congregation that built the Lutheran Church. In 1961 she received a life membership in the LCW and later a Certificate of Recognition from the LCW for 50 years of service. Martha and her daughter Linda had a very close and loving relationship as it was just the two of them for many years. They loved to spend time shopping together, eating out, playing cards and just talking and enjoying each otherÕs company. She was always there for Linda with her unconditional love, lending a hand or being, as Linda said, Òmy back-upÓ. During the last two years Martha had increasing health problems and struggled this last year, but she kept her positive attitude. She wanted to stay in her home as long as she could and was strong-willed enough to accomplish this. She only spent one week in the hospital. She left this world as she wished, very peacefully, and in LindaÕs loving arms. Our special thanks are extended to: - Doctors Kucparic, Amin and Groenewald for their care of Mom over the years. - MomÕs Home Care workers Ð thank you for taking such good care of her so that she could remain in her home for so long. - The nurses and caregivers on the 5th and 3rd floors for your compassionate care of Mom during her week in the hospital. - Bev Mensch for coming to MomÕs home to do her hair and visit these last few years. - Pastor Richard Zimmerman for his comforting words from afar. - Reverend Raymond Knight for his understanding and uplifting words at the service. - All the pallbearers Ð Mom would have been happy to know she was in your hands. - Dana (who was a special friend to Mom), Darren and Bayley for your help and compassionate professionalism at such a difficult time Ð we especially loved the picture you made of Mom. - The many friends and relatives who showed their love and support with flowers, food, cards, emails, donations and visits. - MomÕs niece, Donna Paskiw, for being with us at the hospital Ð having family around was such a comfort. Thanks for always phoning and visiting with Mom Ð she loved you. - Janice Rowe, life-long friend, for staying at the hospital with us and letting us know what to expect, being a great comfort to us, giving the awesome eulogy for Mom and phoning me every morning at 9:00 a.m. the next week, just like Mom used to do. - Bonnie and Bill Baginski, Joyce Henderson and Diane and Tom Therien, all such good friends, for bringing us lunches and suppers to the hospital and our home, and being there for us. Thanks to Diane for reading the poem to Mom. - Ruth McIntosh for looking after the memorial book, and her daughter Pat McInnes (who was like a second daughter to Mom) for coming to be with us from Cranbrook, B.C. - Emilie Lies and Dela Chilson, church friends, for being ushers for her. - Lori Suss for the beautiful solo ÒIn the GardenÓ which had such special meaning for our family, and to Belinda Bratvold for accompanying Lori. - To the LCW for putting on such a delicious lunch and for being her friends for so many years. - To the members of the choir who sang during the service Ð it was much appreciated. - To my Camp Maraiche Friends who made the supper for the family after the funeral Ð itÕs true what they say Ð you always need your girlfriends. Thanks for your love and support. If Roses Grow In Heaven If roses grow in heaven, Lord pick a bunch for us, Place them in our motherÕs arms and tell her theyÕre from us. Tell her we love and miss her, and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while. Remembering her is easy, we think of her every day, but thereÕs an aching in our hearts that will never go away. With thanks from Linda and LaVerne Hinzman
