Barbara Ruth Reimer

1955 - 2003

Barbara Ruth Reimer was born July 10th 1955, in Steinbach, Manitoba, to Harold and Annie Reimer.  Growing up she learned to overcome many obstacles, from learning to walk, to driving her first tricycle, and one-day mastering the art of driving a golf cart.  Once the wood blocks were attached to her pedals on her tricycle, we would watch her sail up and down the driveway at full speed. She acquired a great love for reading and the sounds of Barb typing on her grandfather's typewriter would fill the air.  JigSaw Puzzles were a pastime that was only exceeded by her love of shopping. Barb could put the most, avid shopper to shame.

At a young age Barb moved to the beautiful rolling hills of the Pembina Valley. She joined the work force at Gateway Resources Inc. (Valley Rehab) which spanned 30 years of her life. Here she enjoyed the mingling with the friends, she would make over the years. And as every Christmas Concert came around, Barb was ever so proud to be singing in their choir to a packed audience.

A very proud and joyful moment in Barbara's life, was her baptism on June 7th 1979 in the Bethel Bergthaler Church. And then again, when her membership was transferred to the Winkler Bergthaler Church, where she regularly attended the Extended Education Sunday School Program.

Excitement was at its peak when Barb had the opportunity to climb aboard an Airline and head for a tour of West Edmonton Mall. But every year as spring slipped into summer, plans would be made with great expectation, as a loaded bus would take her off to Summer Camp.

To Barb distance of course, was never an obstacle, visiting her brother in Saskatoon, was such a great delight, with him as her own special tour guide.  Touring museums, boat cruise and of course ending with shopping.

When an opening came at "Our Home" in February of 1999, Barbara seemed to blossom under the gentle care of Len Penner and staff.

Although Hospital stays became more frequent, she never lost her great humor and the ability to put a smile on the faces of the staff, who so gently and lovingly cared for her.

As her health deteriorated she found a little oasis, where out in the Interlake on her sister's farm, she would spend time in a totally different world of animals, learning to pick her feet up high, while walking through the bush, and evenings spent by the fire, roasting marshmallows.   This appeared to be a magical time when even the animals were drawn to her. From brushing the stallion that nuzzled her, feeding a calf who called her Ma and who would constantly climb onto the house deck looking for her, to the huge dogs who

would be at her side and at the foot of her bed. These visits would end of course, with all day shopping trips, at the malls and bookstores. And even here, she made lasting friends who will always remember her great sense of humor and quick wit. From the excitement of the rodeo to the quiet Sunday afternoons spent playing games with her Mom, she loved to experience it all.

Barbara Ruth passed away quietly in the early morning of October 3, 2003.  Meeting her father, who was predeceased in 1961, but leaving behind her mother Annie Janzen, step father D. D. Janzen, brother Nelson Reimer and  Sylvia, sister Janet and Ken Shotton, nieces  and nephews, Carmen, Colin, Kurtis, Candace and Kristin. Everyone who had the opportunity to get to know Barb will miss her, but at the same time know, that they had been touched by an angel.

Funeral services were held on Monday October 6, 2003 at 2:00 PM at Wiebe Funeral Home, Winkler with Rev. Bill Enns officiating.  Interment followed at Winkler Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Winkler Bergthaler Mennonite Church, Special Education Class available at the church.

Wiebe Funeral Home in care of arrangements.