It is with no regrets, but great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Violet Rooke. Violet was born in Saltcoats, SK on May 10, 1916 the daughter of J. Walfred and Emma (nee Almquist) Anderson. She attended school in the Pennock District, completing high school in Saltcoats, and continuing on to Normal School (Teachers' College) in Moose Jaw. She will be greatly missed by her children, Pat (Allen) Gerla, Herb (Janet) Rooke, Norm (Lenore) Rooke and Marilyn (Doug) Leask; her grandchildren, Kevin (Shannon) Gerla, Grant (Jennifer) Gerla, Denise (Chad) Corbin, Jennifer (Ryan) Lorge, Stewart (Kerri) Rooke, Patricia (Kevin) Kroestsch, Robert Rooke, Heather (Mike) Leask, Karen (John) Leask and Brandon (Denette) Leask and ten great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Leila Rooke and Fran (Bob) Sutton and numerous nieces and nephews. Violet was predeceased by her husband, Eric, in 2004; her brothers, Willard (Gertie), Lauren (Laurena) and Herb (Gertie) Anderson; her sisters, Verdna (Art) Lewis and Florence (Gunnar) Gunnarson and brother-in-law, Jim Rooke. Violet took great joy in her community, whether it was curling at Chatsworth, Ladies' Aid Bazaars at Castleton Church, visiting with friends in Saltcoats, or playing cards with friends at Fairview Arms in Yorkton. However, she loved, and was loved most by those who knew her as Wife, Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma. Her positive attitude, love of life and faith in God were clear to those who knew her. Violet married Eric Rooke in 1940, and they successfully farmed the Rooke homestead until 1978 when they retired to Saltcoats. In 2002 Eric and Violet moved to Fairview Arms in Yorkton, where Violet lived until one month ago, when she felt she needed more personal care, and moved to Aspen Bluffs Villa. Unfortunately, Violet's health deteriorated quickly and her life on earth ended on January 28, 2013. Funeral Services were held on Friday, February 1, 2013 from Saltcoats United Church in Saltcoats, SK with Reverend Walter Farquharson officiating. The organist, Ruth Datema, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "How Great Thou Art", "Now Thank We All Our God" and a special selection entitled "O Come to the Church at the Crossroads" that was written by Violet Rooke. The Saltcoats United Church Choir and friends shared one selection, "In The Garden". Friends from the Church of God in Christ shared a medley of hymns that included some of Violet's favourite pieces of music. The Interment Service followed in the Saltcoats Town Cemetery with Kevin Gerla, Grant Gerla, Brandon Leask, Stewart Rooke and Robert Rooke serving as the Casket Bearers. Chad Corbin, Michael Stumph, Ryan Lorge, John Ryan and Kevin McGillivray were named as Honourary Pallbearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
