Obituary of Elizabeth Barbara Swanson

Elizabeth "Betty" Barbara Swanson was born on the farm at Luseland, Sask on Oct 30, 1919 to John and Elizabeth Rudell. The Rudells were German immigrants working in Russia at the time of the Russian revolution. They fled to Canada and settled in Luseland, SK. Betty, as she went by, was one of nine children. The drought of the thirties forced the family to move to Bonnyville. She often recounted in astonishment, "there was green grass, trees, and water everywhere!" However being independent as she was, Betty elected to stay in this area and went to work at the Compeer hotel. She later moved to Provost and it was there that she met the love of her life, Grenville Swanson. Shortly after the war, on June 30th, 1945, they were married in a double wedding ceremony along with Lawrence and Avis Landmark. They lived on the Swanson farm north of Provost, where they raised their two sons, Wyett and Wayne. In 1956 after the death of Grenville's father, Charles, they took over the farm and in 1958 built a new home. Having running water was a highlight that Grandma often recounted! Grandma led a full and productive life. A true homemaker, she managed to skillfully run a busy household. Losing her own mother at a very early age this was a tribute to her determination. She supported and encouraged Grandpa in his many endeavors as they ran their mixed farming operation. His main love was the livestock and horses, whereas Grandma loved her chickens and supplied fresh eggs to many. She was often heard to say in a quiet voice, "Grenville may be the head of the family but I'm the neck and the neck turns the head." And that was true a lot of the time. Small in stature, she was a strong woman by any measurement. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a keen interest in politics. In the early years, they enjoyed square dancing and had a very closely-knit circle of friends. During the 70's, international agriculture exchange students were made to feel at home at my Grandparants. Their home was literally buzzing - not only with the activities of their own sons and their friends but with 3 exchange students and their friends coming and going at all hours especially on weekends. Many of these students formed a lifelong bond with the Swanson's which built an international family which continues to flourish today. Grandma was a wonderful cook; known for her famous chocolate cake, cinnamon buns and freshly baked pies smothered with heaps of farm fresh whipped cream. Milk cows in the barn provided fresh milk every day and she made her own butter for years. She also made homemade egg noodles, ice cream, Chinese food, and the perfect cocktail sandwiches. She had two big vegetable gardens with long rows of strawberries, raspberries, potatoes, and gladiolas. And of course like many in her generation she canned enough preservatives to supply a dozen households. Grandma was a very active member of the UCW at the church here in Provost and loved working in the kitchen behind the scenes. She was also a member of the Eastern Star, was a Lioness for many years, and sat on the Provost Cemetery Committee for an extended period of time. Friday afternoon was her time for herself - to get her hair done and meet up with her friends at the coffee shop. My grandparents began to take time to travel in the 1980's. Their adventures took them to Australia, New Zealand, England, and various countries in Europe where they found great pleasure in the wonderful hospitality they received from their extended agricultural family. They also traveled to the US, took a cruise to Panama, and in 1995 shared and celebrated their 50th anniversary with Avis and Lawrence Landmark on a cruise to Alaska. Following Grandpa's death in 1997, grandma continued to live in their home on the farm until 2004 when she decided to move to the Hillcrest Lodge. I know after so many years catering to everyone else that she truly enjoyed and appreciated her time there. She often raved about wonderful meals and care they provided. She spent many happy hours with jigsaw puzzles, needlepoint and crocheting. She also loved her bingo and took it very seriously even into her nineties! Sharp as a whip and very competitive we soon realized that there was no sense trying to visit grandma on her bingo nights! Up until recently she was in relatively good health. This past December she was admitted to the Provost Hospital and in January was transferred to the Long term care facility where she remained until her passing. As for a being a grandmother it is was hard to ask for more. Her house on the farm was like a second home for us. Cousin Todd would come down for the summer holidays and her house became our home base for youthful shenanigans! How we never gave her any grey hair was truly amazing and a testament to her strong disposition. On her kitchen counter was a jar of Smarties that would be carefully divvied out to reward us for good behaviour or a few chores well done. Easily accessible by bike, we would come and go as we pleased helping ourselves to her fresh baking or robbing strawberries from her garden. We remember her running us to swimming lessons and hiding from the afternoon heat in her cool basement. In the evenings she would separate the milk and had herd of cats waiting at her back door for the foamy skim milk. Also the nightly penning of the chickens provided daily entertainment with her trusty dog "Rex" as her herd dog. Her talent of being a great host continued even when she was at the Hillcrest Lodge. Her great grandchildren loved going to see her "big house in Provost" where she would always have a treat for them in her drawer and then would insist we go down for a cookie and juice at the coffee station. Grandma could always offer you words of guidance. She seemed to know what needed to be said in that instance. Words that you wouldn't learn without leading a long, productive, and meaningful life. She never wanted anyone to fuss over her, including today, but she fussed over everyone else. She will be sadly missed and in our hearts. Betty lived a full and productive life. Her entire life revolved around her family, community and the family farm. She moved to the Hillcrest Lodge in 2004 and thoroughly enjoyed her time there. In January 2014, due to failing health she was admitted to the Long Term Care Centre in Provost. Betty passed away in the Provost Long Term Care Centre on April 29, 2014 at the age of 94. She is survived by her sons, Wyett (Marion) and their 2 sons, Clayton (Candace) and their children, Sarah, Carter and Colton; Charles (Melissa) and their children, Annika and Grenville; Wayne (Shirley) and their children, Todd (Kyla) and Kayla; brother, Phil (Jeanette) and sister, Anne Brenen; sister- in-law, Avis (Lawrence) Landmark; and many nieces and nephews. Betty was predeceased by her husband Grenville (1997), brothers; Jack, Adam, Mike and Joe; sisters, Barbara and Agatha, and sisters-in-law, Gretchen, Gertie (Don) Swanson, and Betty (Elmer) Landmark.