Inez Irene Robinson

(Inez Irene Shatto Robinson)

My Mother, Inez Irene (Shatto) Robinson, was in many ways a study in contrasts. Her given name Inez Irene means “gentle, like a lamb” which always caused Daddy to smile because we all knew that phrase did not best characterize her. She was the gentlest of women when rocking a grandchild or when telling the story of Jesus to one of her children, who often perched on a cupboard to listen, while she assembled a casserole for dinner. Yet Mother could also be the sassiest of females—like when she argued with her family at age 85 that she was too young for assisted living or when she defended her position when debating a theological issue with her son-in-law, Ron, in order to “sharpen her mind”. I heard by the grapevine in later years she had challenged a grandson-in-law who was himself a minister, to similar debates and he wisely demurred. However her grandson Jeff did take up the challenge and enjoyed debating her as his father had.

Born on the prairies of western Canada, she was the eldest child and only daughter born to a young couple, Roscoe and Ruth Shatto, who sought to make their living by farming the land of southern Alberta. She learned responsibility early in life as her beloved father taught her to love the land, the value of hard work and the worth of the dollar. Those valuable lessons prepared her years later to raise and sell turkeys for market that paid for her college education. From her Mother she learned to cook, sew, care for her 3 younger brothers, play the piano and “act appropriately”…usually. From both she learned to love God and rely on His word, the Bible and prayer for guidance in life. They taught her to love her family and to care for others.

As a girl and teenager Inez enjoyed nothing better than to ride bareback across the foothills of Southern Alberta at breakneck speeds on her horse, Orphan, (later Daisy) accompanied by her best friend and younger brother, “Bun”. She often stayed up after midnight to listen to her favorite cowboy crooners on the radio. She was a good student and did well enough in her two room school house to skip a grade. But she was not averse to periodically taking off at lunchtime with her brother “Bun” on their horses and disappear over the hills until it was time for chores at home. She liked the boys, (girls not so much) dancing, horses, books, and music. Although she attended church from an early age, she was eleven before she heard for the first time that salvation was a matter of faith, rather than works or doing good. Her heart responded to the message of the Gospel and she accepted for herself God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, God’s son. That decision changed her life forever and would eventually lead her to attend Prophetic Bible College where she prepared herself to become a Bible teacher. While there she met a young student preacher/evangelist, George Robinson, who wooed and won her heart. They married in 1941 and thereafter her life revolved around their family and ministry.

Mother would never say she regretted her decision to marry, but she did wish the children (me) hadn’t come quite so soon and she did regret that her dream of teaching collegians professionally never materialized. However she had a ready classroom in her four children, as well as in the many churches where she and Daddy ministered. She took the challenge and poured herself into the four of us, taught many high school and college student groups, women’s Bible studies, as well as mentoring young women. She was a wonderful cook but never felt she was an adequate hostess. Yet my growing up was characterized with nearly every Sunday and holiday meal complemented by visitors around our table, who enjoyed her delicious roast beef or chicken dinners, with luscious pies for dessert. Guests ranged from missionaries to newcomers at church, from college students and our youth directors and their wives to visiting speakers, to anyone with a problem—the list was long. And while she didn’t always feel adequate to entertain; those around her table would say she was a truly suburb hostess and conversationalist. Today my china cabinet is filled with the teapots, bone China cups and serving dishes she used to serve others, all ready to be passed on to the next generation.

Loving God and family were always Mother’s priorities and if within her power, she worked hard to make her children’s dreams come true. I’ll never forget her bundling my brother and I up on a blustery October Day in 1951 and taking us by bus across the city of Calgary so I could see British royalty at a Rodeo Chuckwagon performance “in a snowstorm.” And while I never knew how she managed to get me the dress of my dreams for a special occasion in high school, I suspected some budget item came up short until the account could be replenished. She always looked trim and fashionable in her hat and gloves on Sunday mornings—stylish necessities in the 1950’s. I remember thinking often what a beautiful Mother I had. Years later I relished the compliment when she and I were often mistaken for sisters—until I decided they really should be able to see the generation gap—shouldn’t they?

She encouraged us to fill our minds with good and profitable things and to choose friends who would build us up, not lead us astray. She taught us the Bible in fun and fascinating ways and encouraged discussions and even debate—Bible topics including prophecy, politics, school happenings, current trends, world events, and culture were all subjects at our table. Mother taught us by deed and example the value of work even when we fussed and fumed. She taught me how to make a bed and sew a dress as well as how to outline a sermon and write a thank you note. There were gardens to weed and tables to set, dishes to wash and ironing to complete, as well as rooms to clean and homework to finish—all before the fun could start. She encouraged us toward extra curricular activities like band, sports, piano lessons, along with getting good grades—at least doing our best. Then she was always there at the ensuing performances to cheer us on, be it band and chorus concerts, wrestling matches or other activities in which we were involved. She put up with a multitude of pets in our home over the years and fed the many hobos who had our house “marked” and stopped by way too often looking for a handout. She loved and welcomed our friends and they became her friends too. Irritatingly, as we got older she wasn’t adverse to playing matchmaker even when we didn’t agree with her choices for us.

Music was always a vital part of our lives. We spent plenty of time singing around the piano as Mother was a gifted pianist and an adequate guitar player. One could always determine Mother’s mood by the type of music she played. Guitar was reserved for the western and cowboy ballads she loved, hymns for the piano. Long after her eyesight had dimmed drastically from Macular Degeneration she could be found playing the old hymns, gospel songs and praise choruses by ear on her piano at the assisted living manor. The music never failed to encourage her, giving her determination to “carry on”. In her final days she asked me why she couldn’t have her piano moved into her room at the Nursing Home. She said there was plenty of room and she wanted to play again.

By word and example she taught us how to pray. As a little girl my favorite place to find her early in the morning or late at night was by an old worn out chair. I would stand nearby and listen to her pray aloud for my Dad, my siblings and myself. She never knew I heard her pray aloud but I never forgot that greatest of all lessons she taught me by example. And in later years it was often the memory of those prayers that stood between me and sin. She always took time to listen to whatever I wanted to share (though sometimes after a late night event or date, I knew she was half asleep—still I shared). She gave so much to us in every way but wasn’t always as keen to receive—though in later years it was my delight to watch her dip her feet into the Atlantic ocean for the first time at age 77, usher her through the US Capitol and atop the Washington Monument in DC, and see her become acquainted with the history of Mount Vernon and Williamsburg on site and enjoy southern gardens in Georgia. She delighted in it all.

She didn’t allow age to slow her down prematurely and managed to come to help with all her TN grandchildren’s births. Years later she came with Daddy to celebrate all their weddings. She learned to use an I-Pad at 79 so she could keep up on correspondence with family and missionary friends until she entered a Nursing Home at age 99. Missions and praying for missionaries was one of her great passions. Other keen interests included “anything China”, studying and teaching Bible prophecy—especially to teenagers, music, growing plants, planting flower gardens, croteching and sewing clothes for her girls. Her greatest passions were her love for the Lord and her family.

She lived for more than a century, loved and was married to the same man for 76 years before his death in 2018. She gave birth to five children and raised four, sadly losing one born prematurely at birth. She dearly loved her 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and loved and lost one great great granddaughter prematurely. She overcame a century of change, personal challenges, dreadful disappointments, and deep sorrows. She conquered numerous health challenges including COVID-19 and until December 26, 2022, she lived on—strong in her faith!

Mom has long been awaiting the day when God would call and usher her to her heavenly home and the eternal life to come. At 103 her hair was still dark with only a smattering of gray, but her skin was wrinkled and splotched with age spots. Her mind could still be quick and sharp, especially when asking about her grandchildren or great grandchildren and discussing the happenings of their lives. But her body was frail, failing to take care of her needs. Her days were too long, with only the prospect of a visit from her children to break the silence. Her dreams which combined the best of her past and the ramblings of her imagination filled too many hours of too many days. Her hearing was virtually gone and macular degeneration had robbed her of most all her sight. But until her last week on earth she continued to ask her daughter what was going on in the world. And she corresponded via her son, Jerry, with her great granddaughter, Alyssa, in her last months, exchanging horse stories and other topics of mutual interest. She would often quote a verse of scripture that was on her mind and say she was anxious to see Daddy and Jesus. She told her son frequently in the past month her time on earth was short—she said she could maybe hang on till Christmas but not until the end of the year. And she was exactly right! On December 26, 2022, shortly before the midnight hour, she heard God’s call and left her earthly life for her eternal home with her Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. As deeply as we grieve her loss, we rejoice through our tears that Mom is finally “home”. She lived her life. She taught us well. She was ready for her “faith to be sight.” As a family we’ve been abundantly blessed to have her as our very own beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother for so many years! We rise up and call her blessed! “ A woman who fears the Lord she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30) Because Jesus lives, Momma lives too! We will see her again someday—and when we do, it will be forever because Jesus has opened the pearly gates of heaven and Momma has entered in.

Inez Irene (Shatto) Robinson

April 24, 1919 - December 26, 2022

(Written in loving memory by daughter, Loretta Royce, 12-27-2022)

Treasured Reflections of my Mother

Inez Irene Robinson

The earliest memories I have of Mother are when she gave me my first home perm at the age of five. I had lots of thick hair and could hardly contain my excitement of having curls and waves. She instructed me to sit up straight in my chair, close my eyes at times and remain very still. This was no small task for a wiggly little girl. She washed my hair, cut it and then the long repetitious process of wrapping and rolling of many rods began. Next, came very strong smelling solutions that she drizzled over them. It made me want to hold my nose and take a towel to wipe away the stray drips tickling down my neck. She then told me I had to wait a little longer for the curls to set. Through it all she was so patient and careful with me. When it was finally time for her to take out the perm rods I felt my hair bouncing around like a spring and when I looked in the mirror I discovered the most flattering curls and waves all over! I was so ecstatic with the result and she was so pleased to make me happy and praised me for being still. This was the first of many perms she gave me in my life.

It was the fashion of the times for little girls, teenagers and women to be seen publicly in dresses and Mother had several generous friends at our church who delighted in giving me the most beautiful outfits to wear both to church and as a flower girl. Mother accepted their kindness with grace and appreciation. I felt like a princess when I wore them and loved walking beside Mother in her colorful dresses and hats. Her brown eyes sparkled as she took my hand and I skipped happily along beside her. She called me her “little sunshine girl”.

As I grew older Mother kept busy sewing many dresses and skirts for me that I wore to school. She also taught me to sew on a very old sewing machine that she maintained well. I particularly remember a long, soft red velvet dress that she made me. I wore it with long white gloves when I performed in high school chamber choir concerts and civic musical events. On other occasions, she made me wedding bridesmaid gowns and party dresses. My Mother was so talented and creative, who gave so much of her time and made it clear to me that her passion was to please her daughter.

I remember how I loved to watch my Mother bake desserts. Often I’d come home to find the kitchen filled with tantalizing sweet smells. She made delicious pies, cobblers, cakes, cookies, muffins, puddings, cream puffs, puddings and cinnamon buns. But along with the pleasure of eating them she also taught me how to make them. She also canned fruit and had fresh vegetables from the garden. She made our birthdays special for us. We always celebrated with much joy and the anticipation of savoring deep fried chicken, French fries, salads and angel food cake with surprises wrapped in waxed paper inside served with ice cream. I cherish my memories of Mother’s nutritious meals and remember her humble attitude.

She was a gifted piano player and her love for music and skills were evident to me as I often heard her play the piano both at home and at church. She inspired me to learn to play the flute and to sing. Many opportunities came for me later in my life to perform in public. My mother was the impetus that got me started down that journey in my life. I believe she understood that music could encourage me and give me incentive to persevere. While I was in college, she generously paid for me to have private flute lessons from a European instructor at Mount Royal Conservatory in Calgary.

My Mother’s unconditional love and devotion for all her family impressed me through my growing up years as well as into my adult life. Mother always sensed what we needed individually, especially in our times of deepest disappointments in life and gave us her love and attention. When I came home from school or work she was there to greet me and asked how my day went. She listened to my concerns even as she busily prepared the supper meal. Many family conversations took place around the supper table and ended with reading the Bible and prayer. She encouraged and attended our school events and helped us with homework. She was always there caring for the needs of her family.

I remember when I was thousands of miles from home studying at college, living in a girls’ dorm where there was only one telephone for all to share. It was in constant use. Numerous times someone ran up the stairs, knocking on my door saying “Shirley, there’s a long distance call for you from the U.S.”, rushing down to the phone room, I would hear the loving and caring voice of my Mother who over the next minutes made the miles separating us seem to simply fade away. My parents would read encouraging words from the Bible to me, reminding me of God’s promises and faithfulness to meet me in my cares and concerns. Sometimes they sent care packages in the mail and told me to call them collect. Their letters and cards were filled with family news but especially they expressed their unconditional love for me which continued all of their earthly lives in whatever situation I found myself.

My Mother endeavored to build consistent and positive relationships with all our extended family members and knew how to connect with them. She was a generous and faithful giver to all of them. She sent cards, letters and gifts, made long distance calls and opened her home and heart to any who came to visit. She showed genuine concern for their personal relationship with God, led a consistent example of her personal faith, was unashamed and bold in her words to challenge them in their beliefs and prepared in her answer for their excuses. When it became difficult for her to see, she would dictate letters and cards to me to write for her and when she received them in return I would read them to her. Her eyes would moisten and I watched her put them in a prominent place where she would see them. Her furniture shelves and table stands in her many homes were filled with expressions of love. There were cards, flowers, pictures, drawings and gifts. She kept them all. They were reminders of her legacy and pointed to the significant imprint she left on their lives and of their respect and love for her.

Her self-discipline, strong will, and ability to use her mind when she lived in her Assisted Living residence at Prince of Peace were evident and made a lasting impression on me as I visited her often as her primary health care provider. Her cognitive ability in her nineties was amazing! She could add, subtract, multiply and divide sums in her head. She could repeat a series of words given to her orally and say them in reverse order at her initial assessment meeting. She would recite poems, stories and scripture perfectly. She sang a different song for me every day that reminded her of God’s faithfulness and love. Her faith was real and God brought to her mind the words of scripture she had memorized years before to remind her of His presence with her when she was no longer able to read. I read to her and she would tell me the book, chapter and verse I was reading from and ask me questions.

In the mornings, I watched her do exercises in bed to get her muscles working. She’d often challenge me to do regular physical exercise and not get into lazy habits. She was very independent and told me what clothes she wanted to wear for the day or how to wash and style her hair. She ate a substantial breakfast meal and told me it was the most important meal of the day and give me a little lecture to eat more nutritionally. She filled the hours of the day asking what was going on in the world and with her family, played her piano, watched television programs – three or four religious on Sundays, curling tournaments, hockey games, the Calgary Stampede rodeo and pioneer family movies. She liked listening to CDs and on nice summer days I took her for walks to enjoy nature and scenery. She was hospitable when friends visited and offered them refreshment. She took an active interest in the health aides and nurses lives who cared for her and enjoyed talking with her nurse practitioner. The housekeeper commented to me about the peace she felt as soon as she entered her room that she didn’t sense in other rooms she cleaned. But I knew that my Mother simply touched their lives because she communicated genuine love as she did with her family because her relationship with God was real and gave her lasting peace and hope.

I have many wonderful memories, enough for a lifetime and will treasure them in my heart until the day when Mother and I are reunited in heaven forever.

Written in loving memory by daughter, Shirley Robinson

* * * * * * * * * *

On Monday, December 26, 2022, at the age of 103, after a long and fulfilling life, Inez Irene (Shatto) Robinson left this world and entered her heavenly home and into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for all eternity.

Inez was born on April 24, 1919, to Roscoe and Ruth Shatto in Medicine Hat, Alberta. She grew up on a farm in the Arrowwood/ Vulcan, AB area where she attended the Buffalo Hill School and the Arrowwood Church of the Brethren. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at the age of eleven and her life was forever changed. Following high school Inez attended and graduated from Prophetic Bible Institute in Calgary, Alberta, where she met and fell in love with a young preacher and evangelist, George H. A. Robinson. They were married November 14, 1941, at her parent’s farm near Arrowwood. They were blessed to celebrate 76 years of marriage in 2017.

Inez ministered alongside her husband for over fifty-two years at churches in Alberta, North and South Dakota, and Wisconsin, until they returned to Calgary in 1993. They resided at Prince of Peace Village and later Prince of Peace Manor from 2006-2019. Since then, Inez has resided at George Boyack Care West and Newport Harbour Care Center until the time of her death.

A gifted teacher, Inez taught Bible, missions and Bible Prophecy to countless children, teens and adults over the years, as well as ably ministering to women individually and in groups. An accomplished pianist, Inez provided music for the early evangelistic outreach she and George conducted. She often accompanied soloists and musical groups at their churches. But she especially enjoyed accompanying her daughters in their musical endeavors over the years. The old gospel songs and hymns were her joy and comfort throughout her life.

Her number one passion in life was her family and she devoted her life to serving alongside her husband and raising her children. However, her greatest desire was for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to accept Jesus Christ personally, and to follow and serve Him with their lives. She loved her family fervently, taught them God’s Word diligently and prayed for them faithfully!

Beyond her family her greatest passions were the study of God’s Word, promoting worldwide missions and prayer. Although Inez was unable to serve God overseas as she had desired, for many years she corresponded with and prayed for many missionaries who served in over 20 nations of the world. A gracious hostess to parishioners, missionaries, friends, and family alike, Inez was always interested in engaging others personally—whether it be bikers in SD, the teenage friends of her children or those who cared for her at POP Manor and the Nursing Homes where she resided the final years of her life.

Inez was pre-deceased by her beloved husband, George Robinson; an infant son, Harold Michael; a son-in-law, Ronald Royce; an infant great, great granddaughter, Elliana Irmeger; her parents, Roscoe and Ruth Shatto; and three brothers — Meredith (Bun), Walter, Donald and their wives. She leaves behind 4 children: Loretta Royce (TN, USA), Jerry (Connie) Robinson and Shirley Robinson (all of Calgary, AB), and David (Sue) Robinson of Rimbey, AB. Inez is also survived by 11 grandchildren, their spouses, 16 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family of Inez rise up and call her blessed…”A woman that fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)

A Celebration of Life for Inez Robinson will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220-4th Street, NW, Calgary (Across from Queen’s Park Cemetery), on Friday, January 13, 2023, at 2:00 pm. Interment will take place immediately after the service at Queen’s Park Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks for the care provided to Inez over the years by the staff at Prince of Peace Manor, The George Boyack Nursing Home and most recently the staff at Newport Harbour Care Center.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be sent directly to the following ministries:

Mission Aviation Fellowship (for Brett & Jaclyn Reierson, if desired) - www.mafc.org.

Wycliffe Bible Translators (attn: Seed Company) - www.wycliffe.ca.

Samaritan’s Purse - www.samaritanspurse.ca or in the US www.samaritanspurse.org.

Or you may choose the ministry of your choice.