NEITZ

Margaret Neitz (nee Johnson) passed away very peacefully on Saturday, December 1 at Maple Creek Hospital, at the age of 85 years after a few weeks of rapidly declining health.
Margaret was predeceased by her husband Paul; an infant son Paul Jr.; her parents Hannah and Algot Johnson; an infant sister; and her brothers Carl and  John Johnson.
She leaves to cherish her memory: son Ken, her daughter Lorraine Maines, her son-in-law Bobby Maines, her three much loved grandchildren: Tyrone, Kala and Wyatt Maines; her brother Nels Johnson; her nephew Ernie Johnson; her niece Stella Essau; many relatives-in-law on the Neitz side of the family and many dear friends.
Margaret was born in Consul, Saskatchewan on September 23, 1927. She went to school in Consul. After her schooling she had a variety of jobs: she was a nanny for the Lightfoot family; she worked at the Govenlock Hotel, she worked as a maid in Shaunavon for the Rogers family; she even worked in a cafe in Blairmore, Alberta for a while. She finally came back to Consul where she worked at Lightfoot’s General Store. She had this job for many years and made many friends.
It was while working at Lightfoot’s General Store that she met Paul Neitz. They were married on August 6, 1960. Margaret and Paul ranched in the Consul area until 1987 when they sold their land and bought a ranch south of Maple Creek. In 1993 they sold the ranch and moved to Maple Creek. Paul died on October 28, 1994. After surgery on her hip, Margaret moved from her house in Maple Creek to the Creekside Estates. Margaret’s last years were spent in the company of her much-loved Creekside family.
Margaret spent her retirement years doing the things she loved and enjoying her grandchildren: Tryone, Kala and Wyatt. For many years she enjoyed meeting with friends every afternoon at the BC Cafe for coffee. Margaret loved to talk with people. In her last years, she enjoyed her walks down Jasper Street where she would invariably meet friends from the Maple Creek and Consul community. She also enjoyed playing cards during the evening with her Creekside family; many of these card games were the result of Margaret’s initiating phone calls. A special treat was having her grandson Wyatt join in these card games.
In her younger years, Margaret enjoyed playing the piano, cooking, baking, sewing, quilt making, chocolate making, crocheting and embroidery.  In the good old days, Margaret played the piano in a band called Cypress Saddle Pals. She played for many dances and had fond memories of it. Margaret was active in her church both at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Consul and St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Maple Creek. She also valued her 50 plus years as a member of the CWL.
Margaret was a faithful mother. She was always there with an open ear and a warm hug of understanding. She brought her family up knowing and serving the Lord. Even in her last days, she was concerned about how her family would get along after she died.
Margaret was a faithful friend. She was a  non-judgmental, gentle soul who was never too busy to stop and visit. Well done, good and faithful servant of the Lord, mother, grandmother and friend. We will miss you.
The mass of Christian burial was held at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Maple Creek on Wednesday, December 5 at 2 p.m. with presider Fr. Amobi. Music ministry by her son Ken Neitz and his Saskatoon friends: Jacquie Ackerman, Mary-Lou Beck, Curtis Korchinski and Darren Schwartz. Readings were done by her daughter Lorraine Maines and her godson Jim French. Prayers of intercession were read by her son Ken. Pallbearers were Bruce Johnson, Ernie Johnson, Tyrone Maines, Wyatt Maines, Joel Parker and Dakota Sorenson. Members of the CWL formed an honour guard at the funeral mass.
Interment was in Maple Creek Cemetery preceding a lunch prepared by the CWL at St. Lawrence Parish Hall. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Margaret’s name may be made to the Maple Creek Hospital.
Thanks to the staff of Cypress Lodge where mom stayed for four days prior to her transfer to the Maple Creek Hospital. Thanks also to the staff and doctors at Maple Creek Hospital where mom spent her last few days. Thanks also goes to the CWL for the lunch that was served and to Jim French for the work he did on preparing the written eulogy.
To email an expression of sympathy you may visit www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca.
Binkley’s Funeral Service, Maple Creek and Leader, were in charge of arrangements. 306-662-2292