Obituary of Myrtle Louisa Bedford

Myrtle was born on the farm in the Wiwa Hill area, near Bateman, Saskatchewan, on January 4, 1918. Her parents were Andrew and Maria Hagstrom. Her father Andrew Hagstrom came from Sweden and her mother Maria (nee Swenson) came to Bateman from North Dakota. They had eleven children. Myrtle was the third eldest in the family. On the farm near Bateman where she grew up, Myrtle put in long hours of work, helping a large family make it successfully through the depression. This prepared her for her new life when she fell in love with and married Mac Bateman, on December 12, 1939. Myrtle and Mac had three children, Garry, Jim and Teresa. They lived on a small farm by Bateman. While doing custom harvesting in USA, Mac fell ill with encephalitis and tragically passed away in the fall of 1948. After Mac’s death, with three young children to care for, Myrtle moved into a small house in Bateman. She opened her own diner and raised three children by herself for six years. She met and married Reg Bedford of Bateman in November 1954. They had two children, Walter and Wendy. Together Myrtle and Reg had five children to raise and a farm to work. They went on to be happily married for the next forty five years, welcoming in-laws and grandchildren into their loving home. There was always room for one more at their table and warm hugs were in abundance for everyone, especially the grandchildren who were their pride and joy. All through her life, Myrtle was totally involved in the community. She joined many organizations, such as United Church Ladies Aid, cooking turkeys and making pies etc. for events and fowl suppers, Legion Women’s Auxiliary, Rink functions, School functions, Homemakers, Ladies curling club, Lioness Club, to name a few. Myrtle and Reg moved to Gravelbourg in the fall of 1995 where she continued to be involved with Lioness Club, Bowling League and Seniors Club. Sadly, Reg passed away in 1999. She remained in her home until the fall of 2008 when she decided it was time to move to the Villa. There, she enjoyed several weekly card and bingo games in the company of her many fellow residents and friends. In November of 2013 Myrtle’s failing health forced her to become a resident at the Foyer d‘Youville where she passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday, May 3, 2014. Myrtle is survived by her loving family, son Garry (Pat) Bateman of Coquitlam, BC, grandchildren Craig, Rob; son Jim Bateman (Lorrie, 1992) (Karen) of Bateman, SK, grandchildren Michelle, Carolyn, Michael, David; daughter Teresa (Rienharet) Berg of Bateman, SK, grandchildren Sandi, Linda, Rodney; son Walter (Barbara) Bedford of Gravelbourg, SK, grandchildren Maxim, Patrick, Brandon; daughter Wendy (David) Sloan of Barra De Navidad, Mexico, grandchildren Lisa, Katie; 13 great grandchildren; sisters Ellen and Ruth. Predeceased by her husbands Mac Bateman (1948), Reg Bedford (1999); daughter-in-law Lorrie (1992); parents Andrew and Maria (nee Swenson) Hagstrom; siblings Margret, Hilda, Alvin, Hazel, Gilbert, Grace, Carl, Ken. Funeral Service was held on Thursday, May 8, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Stephen’s United Church, Gravelbourg, SK, with Reverend Linda Tomlinson-Seebach officiant. The eulogy was shared by Garry Bateman. Readers were Dawson Gottselig, Jared Gottselig and Rob Bateman. Music was shared by Leanne Mann. Honorary pallbearers were "All who shared in Myrtle’s life.” Active pallbearers were Rob Bateman, Michael Bateman, David Bateman, Rodney Berg, Maxim Bedford, Patrick Bedford and Brandon Bedford. Interment took place at the Bateman Cemetery. Donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be shared at ww.pichehawkinsgrondinfuneralchapels.ca. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels, Assiniboia & Gravelbourg "With the gift of years, Comes the treasures of knowing That there are many who love you deeply The memories you’ve made with us will last forever The tenderness you’ve shared with us will never fade The most wonderful gift you could ever give Is the special part of you that now lives in each of us And the truth your love has taught us Can only be strengthened by the gift of time For where roots grow deep Memories grow forever” Poem written by Kimberly Rinehart