Elva June Rorke

Elva June Rorke

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of our mother, Elva June Rorke (nee Rasmussen) on July 30, 2018 in North Battleford, SK at the age of 99 years. 

She is lovingly remembered by her children: 

Son, Garry (Lucille) Rorke; and their children: Jennifer Rorke (Thomas Schweizer); Murray (Daina) Rorke;  Dan (June) Rorke and their children, Jack and Luke.

Daughter, Patricia (Steve) Wagenhoffer.

Daughter, Donna (Jack) Spencer; and their children: Aaron Spencer (partner, Stephanie Kratchmer); Ray (Tara) Spencer and their children, Kate and Shae; Carl Spencer.

Daughter, Fay Rorke (companion, Bruce Woloshyn)

Elva was predeceaed by her loving husband, Ormond in 1986.  She will be laid to rest with him at a later date.  She was also predeceased by her parents, Gilbert & Anna Rasmussen and her sisters, Pearl Walker and Goldie Steel; her brothers, Bert and Ghyll Rasmussen.

Her lifetime on the prairies started with her birth on January 25, 1919 in Anneroid, SK at the height of the Spanish Influenza.  She was the second youngest of five children born to Gilbert and Anna Rasmussen. Their family later settled in the Battleford area, where she spent most of her life. She loved music and enjoyed playing both the piano and the violin. It was in the Rockhaven area playing at country dances that she met our dad.  They were married September 24, 1941. 

She was passionate about her family of four.  She was an exceptional mother and loving spouse. Family and friends were always welcome for a meal or game of cards.  Her sewing machine never sat idle.  It was in 1955 that Mom was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and she spent the remainder of her life being a faithful servant and sharing her beliefs with others.  

When asked about the milestones that she experienced in her nearly 100 years, she would share many stories about the excitement of attending the Chitaqua in Cutknife, experiencing the hardships of the Dirty Thirties and the tension of WWII, and the introduction of Medicare.  She thought the very best improvement in her lifetime was access to running water in the house.  She always looked forward to the future and encouraged her children to do the same.  She said one of her greatest thrills was her iPad because she enjoyed very much receiving pictures of her family. Her life was full.

A come and go tea Celebrating the life of Elva will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018 between the hours of 2 - 4 p.m. at the Western Development Museum in North Battleford, SK.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to your favorite charity.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Trevor Watts of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium.