Mrs. Janneke Ruitenschild

September 25, 1944 - January 6, 2014

Mrs. Janneke Ruitenschild of Okotoks passed away peacefully at the Foothills Country Hospice on January 6, 2014 at the age of 69 years. Janneke is survived by her husband Bert; children Joanne (Frank Tosto) Ruitenschild, Roland (Stacy Keith) Ruitenschild, Marjan (Steve Morris) Ruitenschild; grandchildren Ava Morris, Carver Morris, Adam Ruitenschild, Sydney Ruitenschild; siblings Hans (Carol) Lievaart, Paul (Beth) Lievaart and Trina (Ron) Wickstrom; and multiple nieces and nephews. Janneke was predeceased by her parents Job and Anna Lievaart. Janneke was born in Den Haag, Netherlands and immigrated to Canada with her family in 1948. First attending a one-room school by her childhood homestead near Blackie, Alberta, then High River, she ultimately completed her degree in Education from the University of Calgary. She married in 1966, and cherished her life as a loving and devoted wife, mother and Oma, on the farm. She was extremely proud of all her children and their accomplishments, always putting the family ahead of herself. Janneke touched the lives of many people who shared her passion in gardening, quilting, needlepoint and other artistic endeavours. Her garden was her sanctuary and its beauty gave her great peace. Janneke’s kind, gracious heart combined with her infectious smile and humour will be dearly missed. The family, and in Janneke’s own words, extend sincere appreciation for all the care and kindness shown to her during her final years. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 13th at 11:00 a.m. at the High River United Church. If desired memorial donations may be made to the Foothills Country Hospice (Box 274, Okotoks, Alberta, T1S 1A5). To send condolences and view Janneke’s Tribute Page please visit www.lylereeves.com . Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.