KLASSEN: Rita Margaret Klassen, age 74 years, peacefully and suddenly left us on July 5, 2012 at the Abbottsford General Hospital in British Columbia. A memorial service was held at the Knox United Church in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan at 1 pm on July 13, 2012 with Reverend Bev Diduck officiating. Special Music was provided by Millie Spagrud, Nora Rudolph and King Gin. The interment service was held at the Gull Lake Cemetery. Besides her loving husband Dave of 57 years, Grandma is survived by her children Daryl (Bernadette), Alan, Karen (Glenn) and Pamela (Randy). Grandma leaves behind 8 grandchildren, Angela (Billy), Jared (Jody), Aliya (Jeremy), Marc, Jenny (Matt), Derek (Megan), Shania and Mikayla. She leaves behind her 5 great grandchildren Mila, Teo, and step-grandchildren Shelby, Austin and Tyra. She is also survived by her siblings, Sister Helen and brothers Abe (Irene), John (Ilsa), Pete (Ronnie), sister in law Helen and many nieces and nephews. Grandma is predeceased by her mother and father Jacob and Margaret Froese, brother Jack, 2 grandsons, Gavin and Craig along with numerous family and friends. As many of you know, my Grandma Rita was a warm, thoughtful and compassionate woman who had a great sense of adventure and willingness to try new things. She had a very inviting personality which endeared her to everyone she came in contact with and it is a great testament to her nature that formed so many long lasting friendships. That is why we have, so many of you here today. Grandma was born in Kerrobert SK. Sept 1, 1937 to Jacob and Margaret Froese. When she was 2 years old they moved to Greendale BC, where she was raised and attended school. She finished her schooling in Chilliwack and then worked at the Army Base in the administration department. It was the winter of 1953 when she met a very handsome Saskatchewan boy by the name of David Klassen. Grandpa literally fell for Grandma at the roller rink and knew this was the woman he was going to marry. March 5th, 1955, a wedding of 700 people was held in Greendale and was the beginning of a 57 year journey of being in love with your best friend. Due to their budget, Grandpa treated Grandma to a can of delicious pineapple the morning after their wedding. They then continued on their 3 day honeymoon to Mount Rainier Washington. Grandpa told me on the trip back from BC last weekend, that the honeymoon lasted not only 3 days, but right up until the day Grandma left us. Grandpa then took his bride back home to the farm north of Gull Lake where they would build their family of 4. Daryl came first and then Alan, Karen and Pamela followed. Not long after they arrived on the farm, Grandma and Grandpa were given a very large welcoming party hosted by Gordon and Jeanne Douglas. With Grandma being so far from home, Jeanne stepped right in as a second Mother and friend. She encouraged and introduced Grandma to many people and groups. I am sure this was not difficult for Grandma as she was a woman that was very much involved in the church and community. When I think of my Grandma, I think of her love of music and singing. I think of her love of travel and being the best navigator anyone could ask for. She travelled with Grandpa all over the world and could tell you the best places to visit. Grandma and Grandpa gave me my love for Hawaii and hot springs. She always was the one that you would call if you needed a phone number, address or the date of a special occasion. Grandma always made a point of coming out and cheering on her grandchildren at our many sporting or school events. One of Grandmas best qualities was the love she had for her family and friends. She had persistence like no other to always keep her family together and connected. There are 3 things that give my family and I comfort. One being that Grandma was surrounded by her husband, children, grandchildren, siblings, and niece when she peacefully left us. The second being that 2 people were given the gift of sight as my Grandma's beautiful eyes were donated. The third comfort is knowing that as I speak here today, my Grandma is with her mother, father, brother and taking care of her 2 grandchildren along with many other family and friends. Grandma you were a role model and I learned so much from you. Even though you left us so unexpectedly, we will wake for you every morning, so your time will be with us forever in our hearts. Love you so much. Love, Angela. In Grandma's memory, memorial donation may be made to Knox United Church or Autumn House in Gull Lake. Warren's Funeral Home in care of arrangements. For further information please call 773-8831 or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to the family in our book of condolence.