Obituary of Winnie Busch

Our beloved Mother, Winnie Letitia Busch, was born on the farm near Glen Bain on September 28, 1924, to Dave and Grace Mitchell. Eventually, three sisters joined her: Alma, Kathaleen, and Mildred. When she was 5, she began her education at Obthorpe School. She got a ride with a friend until her sisters started school, and then they drove a pony cart, always stopping at her Grandma Beal's for cookies. It was in these early years she developed her passion for dancing. Her Dad would play the flute, and Winnie would dance the Highland fling at concerts and house parties. She had loved going to dances all her life, and in the last months, she still said that if she could get out of that wheelchair, she would dance. In these same years, her mother taught her the handcrafts all young women were expected to learn – crocheting, knitting, embroidery, sewing, and cooking. She boarded at Glen Bain to get her high school diploma, where one of her favourite recreational activities was playing ball for the Black Cats. She went on to attend Normal School in Moose Jaw to take her teacher training. Winnie accepted a position at Busch school and boarded at Mike and Mary Busch's, where she caught the eye of Ernest Busch, who lived just across the creek. He was in the army and was only home on spring and fall farming leave, but they kept the romance going, sending many letters back and forth. They were engaged on Ernest's birthday on May 28, 1944, and married on September 28, 1944, Mom's birthday. They began farming and lived in an old house once used to store grain. Winnie took great pleasure in making that house a home and always enjoyed redecorating, especially painting. Some of her last conversations revolved around what colour she would paint the walls in her care home. Ernest and Winnie had three children: Dale (February 6, 1947), Daphne (November 24, 1951) and Kim (May 4, 1961). They decided they needed a new home for their expanded family and built one in 1962. In the late 60's, Winnie went back to work. She taught in Bateman for four years before becoming a clerk/librarian at both Hodgeville Schools and spending one day a month at the Hutterite colony for the next ten years. She had a passion for books and reading. She loved her job and the people she worked with. Ernest's health was failing, and he eventually passed away in 1991. Winnie stays on the farm with Kim, who comes home to the farm and does the heavy yard work. She loved her home, gardening, and having tea with her neighbours. Her farm was her happy place. She also loved learning. She was always game to take whatever community college class was offered, including calligraphy, oil painting, and yoga. She taught herself to play the organ and guitar and was an avid square dancer. She was a devoted Christian and integral to St. Boswells Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and an active participant in the ELW. The one constant in her life was her love for her family. Her greatest joy was hosting family events and holidaying with her children and grandchildren. When asked if she wanted a party for special occasions, she would always reply, “No, just my family.” At age 80, with a lot of encouragement from her family, she moved into Prairie View Manor in Swift Current. It was a great compromise. She could still drive to the farm and spend time with Kim and Penni and the garden, and we wouldn't worry about her being alone in winter storms. She spent many happy years there, making new friends, cooking, and baking for everyone on her floor. With developing health issues, she needed more care, so she moved to Riverview and then to the Meadows, where she passed away on July 11, 2024. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ernest in 1991, her much-loved daughter, Dale, in 2007, and her son-in-law, Wayne Bassendowski, who she considered “one of her own” in 2024. She is survived by: son-in-law-Don Osicki, grandson Ryan (Ashley, and children Leo and Britta); granddaughter Tenille (Douglas Slack); daughter Daphne Bassendowski; grandson Brendan (children Emery, Kieran, Easton); granddaughter Reilly (Levis Lavoie, and daughter Lucy); son Kim (Penni) Busch; granddaughter Janaya (Alain Muise, children Natalie, Ava and Asher); grandson Tyler (Malia Magnusson and son Cole). The family would like to thank the staff at House 11, The Meadows, for their compassionate care of Mom and the support they gave us during Mom's final days.  Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, 11:00 am at Trinity Lutheran Church, St. Boswells.  Interment Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery.