Obituary of Rhoda May Milne

Rhoda May Milne, lifelong resident of Lashburn, passed away at Maidstone Hospital on Sept. 20, 2012, at the age of 91 years. She is survived by her husband of 71 years, Clifford Milne; her children: Joan Adair, of Saskatoon, Jean Thompson of Lashburn and Bill Milne of Turtle Lake; grandchildren Robin Adair (Lindy Pelletier), Aaron Adair (Jenn Hamon- Adair), Kylie (Jay) Robb, Ivy (Jason) Dusanko, Jon (Dana) Milne, and Amber (Jordan) MacNab; great grandchildren Kael and Carsen Adair, Sadie and Libby Robb, Jaxon, Ethan and Cody Dusanko and Lucas and Liam Milne, as well as her sister Ruth Nesbitt of Kelowna. Rhoda was predeceased by her sisters Jean Berry and Judith Cressman and brother Jim Cressman. Rhoda was born in Lashburn, May 30, 1921, to Virgil and Pauline Cressman and grew up on their south Lashburn farm. Following graduation from high school in 1939, Rhoda worked as a cook at the Lashburn Hospital until her marriage to Clifford Milne in 1941. Following the war, Cliff and Rhoda spent many years of hard work as owners of Milne’s Meat Market and locker plant. In 1970, Cliff and Rhoda owned and operated a store and resort business at Greig Lake. Before retiring, Rhoda enjoyed working in Vivian's Style Shoppe in Lloydminster. In 2006, Rhoda and Cliff moved to Tighnduin home. In the fall of 2011, they moved to long term care in Maidstone, just a few miles from their first home at Halfway School teacherage. Family was the centre of Rhoda's life, and she worked tirelessly to support her husband and children and grandchildren in all their endeavors. She took great pride in keeping a clean home and preparing fine meals. As with many women of her generation, when she was not working for her family, she was working for the community as a member of many organizations such as Kinettes, United Church Women, Hospital Auxiliary and the Legion. In later years she would laugh about the how routine it was to be asked to bring "three pies and a turkey" and serve at a community banquet. Although Rhoda seldom travelled far from Lashburn, her life was rich in the depth of the roots she had in her community. She was proud to be the granddaughter of H.S. and Rhoda Cressman who settled in Lashburn in 1906 and was passionate about the history of her area. To the end of her days she kept the district's history books close at hand, and enjoyed socializing and sharing her memories. A memorial gathering will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to the Pine Island Lodge (PO Box 160, Maidstone, SK S0M 1M0) or the charity of one’s choice.