Obituary of Sarah Pouteaux

Sarah Pouteaux passed away on December 10, 2018, at the Foyer d’Youville in Gravelbourg, SK, with family at her side on her 106th birthday. She was born on December 10, 1912, to Margaretta and George Hoffman on the family homestead six miles north of Hodgeville, SK. There she attended the Fair Valley School. In 1924, the family moved to a farm in the Kelstern district. Being the second oldest in a family of 12, and having her dad killed in a farming accident at the age of 50, she knew what work was. After her schooling, Sarah worked as a housekeeper in various places. This brought her to the Bateman district where she started working for a widowed farmer, Arthur Pouteaux. He had two young children at the time. Sarah and Arthur were married on November 24, 1939. Together they added an additional three daughters to the family. Sarah worked hard in the mixed farming operation her and Arthur operated, and grew large gardens for canning and pickling. Sarah sewed most of her children’s clothing and knit mitts, gloves, socks, toques, scarves, and sweaters. She loved to play piano and sing. In 1970, Sarah and Arthur retired to Gravelbourg. Following Arthur’s death on December 26, 1972, Sarah moved to Moose Jaw to be closer to her Seventh Day Adventist Church. Her very strong faith played a great part of her life. Sarah enjoyed travelling to Hawaii, Egypt and the Dominican Republic, but definitely the greatest pastime in her retirement was making quilts. She especially enjoyed sewing. At the age of 94, Sarah moved to Chateau St. Michael’s in Moose Jaw. Then, at the age of 100, she moved to the Foyer d’Youville in Gravelbourg. Sarah enjoyed life to the fullest by keeping active, singing, and taking part in exercises and activities. Right to the end when asked, "How are you feeling?” her reply was always, "Couldn’t be better.” Sarah leaves to mourn her loving family, daughters Iris (Robert) McNeill, Myrna Rolfe, Linda (Ross) Armson, Ruth (Lawrence) Deobald; grandchildren Carol Henderson, Cheryl (Rod) Hoshowsky, Wayne McNeill (Candi Bartley), Joanne (Dale) Petersen, Doug Rolfe (Coralee Watkins), Loretta (Andrew) Rolfe Unger, Lorelei (Jeffrey) Burnett, Maureen (John) Borges, Melanie (Chris) Babbitt, Gregory (Nicole) Armson, Grant (Rosalee) Armson, Victor (Brenda) Pouteaux, Edith (Wilf) Dyck, Dale (Michelle) Pouteaux, Donald (Melody) Pouteaux, Ronald (Marcia) Pouteaux, Christine Jansen, Marian (Charlie) Edelman, Deldeen (Bob) Rusk, George Deobald, Dwaine Deobald; 56 great grandchildren and 41 great-great grandchildren; brother Irvin (Shirley) Hoffman; sister-in-law Joyce Hoffman. Predeceased by her parents Margaretta and George Hoffman; husband Arthur Pouteaux; sisters Mary, Leya, Martha, Elsie, Luella, Ruby; brothers David, Joseph, Jacob, Edward; son Walter (Laura) Pouteaux; son-in-law Gordon Rolfe; grandson-in-law Robert Jansen; great granddaughter-in-law Angela Boorah. Funeral Service was held on Saturday, December 15, 2018, 1:00 p.m., at the Church of Christ, Gravelbourg, SK, with Pastor Scott Manly officiant. The eulogy was shared by Cheryl Hoshowsky, Maureen Borges, and Loretta Rolfe Unger. Scripture reader was Deldeen Rusk. Special music was shared by Sarah’s grandchildren. Pianist was Leanne Mann. Active pallbearers were Doug Rolfe, Wayne McNeill, Greg Armson, Ronald Pouteaux, Victor Pouteaux, and Grant Armson. Interment took place at the Bateman Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Sarah to the Foyer d’Youville Foundation, Box 810, Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0, were greatly appreciated.