Obituary of Betty Reaves

Reaves- It is with profound sadness that the family of Betty Reaves (née Burkell) of Swift Current, SK announce her peaceful passing on Sunday, December 4, 2022, at the age of 76 after a brief battle with cancer.

Betty will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 56 years, George; children, Greg (Colette), Leanne (Mike), and Jaclyn (James); grandchildren, Amanda, James, Kierstin, Liam, and Nate; brother Dave (June), and sister Peggy (Wayne); as well as numerous extended family members. She will also be dearly missed by her many friends at Riverview Village Estates and in the community of Gravelbourg, SK. Betty was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Marion, and her brother Tim.

Betty was born in Saskatoon, SK on June 4, 1946. She attended Brunskill School and St. Chad’s Girls’ School (QDS). She went on to attend the Saskatoon Business College where she trained to be a medical secretary. Though she vowed to never marry a farmer, she met George when he was attending the College of Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan and they were married in 1966, on her 20^th birthday. They soon settled on the family farm 9 miles north of Gravelbourg where they raised their family and lived until their retirement. Betty and George built a new home in Gravelbourg in 2001; they enjoyed their next 15 years in town before moving to a condo community in Swift Current.

Mom taught us a lot about being kind, a good friend, and a servant in your community. She was involved for many years with Kinettes, Beta Sigma Phi, and the St Joseph’s Hospital Auxiliary in Gravelbourg. In more recent years, she took part in the Riverview choir and ladies’ quilting group. She and Dad loved to visit, play cards, organize social activities, and go for coffee with friends. Mom’s greatest love was her grandchildren, and she spent many hours playing with them and supporting them in their many activities. Mom suffered a stroke when she was only 45, but she did not let any of her health struggles limit her. She was resilient, determined, and she lived a full and active life. She handled obstacles with grace and dignity, and those who knew her are inspired by her example.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 12, 2022, at Riverview Village Estates, 1101 2^nd Ave. SE, Swift Current. The family would like to thank Dr. Bakare, Dr. Lim, Dr. Akinfiresoye and the staff of the Cypress Regional Hospital for their care of mom. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Betty’s name to the Swift Current SPCA, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, or the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan.