June Virginia Betham

June grew up on a farm near Kelliher and went to New Haven school. When June was in her late-teen years, there was a couple looking for someone to help around their home and farm; James and Mary Betham. It was at this time June met her future husband and forever partner, Maurice.

June and Maurice married October 23, 1950. This union lasted 62 years until Maurice passed away in October of 2013 a week shy of their 63rd anniversary. Together they had 4 children: Geraldine, James, Thomas and Timothy who they raised on the family farm. June and Maurice suffered a great loss of their second son Thomas at the age of 18 months. Although times were tough, together they always managed and pulled through and continued to raise their family. They continued farming until they moved into Balcarres to semi-retire.

June was always a hard worker, often going out to milk cows before going to work at the Balcarres hospital in housekeeping and laundry for 22 years. When she would finish her shift at the hospital, her next shift started at the farm. She would get home and immediately prepare a lunch to take to the field for Maurice and whoever else was working. Then she would head back to the house and get ready to start chores. Milking cows for the second time of the day and tending to all the animals. Then she would go back to the house and start supper. You would rarely hear her say she was tired. If there was work to do, June did it. Even when June first moved into assisted living, she could be found in the kitchen helping with the dishes and later when she moved into Balcarres Integrated Care Center, she was often helping to water the outdoor flowers.

June loved sports. She was part of the local ladies ball team and curled in many bonspiels. She continued to enjoy these activities by going to cheer on her children and grandchildren. Whether it was a baseball game, curling bonspiel, or hockey tournament, June was there.

For 50 years, 4-H was a big part of the Betham family. Geraldine, Jim, and Tim were all 4-H members. All 7 grandchildren were also 4-H members. June continued to go to all the 4-H shows and even the Yorkton 4-H regional show and fair. All she needed was a ride, and she was ready to go!

June and Maurice enjoyed socializing. They attended many family dances at Wyber Hall, enjoyed a good auction sale, and always had coffee if the neighbours stopped in. Two things you could always be sure of if you sat at June’s table: 1, you would be fed. June was always baking and June could cook. If you left the table hungry, it was your own fault. 2, you never had to wonder what June was thinking, because she told you exactly what she thought.

June was very musical playing guitar, organ, and her mini keyboard. She loved music and could often be found playing her keyboard and singing for her fellow residents.

June will be dearly missed by her children: Geraldine (Mark) Cartier, Jim (Lila) Betham and Tim Betham; grandchildren: Sherry (Jimmy) Fanning, Cody (Amber) Betham, Matthew (Meagan) Betham, Kevin (Cheryl) Betham, Breanna Betham, Ty Betham and Logan Betham; great-grandchildren: Rylan, McKenna, Emma, Emmett, Austin, Rhett, Wyatt, Mia, Harlee, Vayda and Theo and siblings: Esther, Marion, Donna and Garry.

June was predeceased by her loving husband Maurice; son Thomas; parents Thomas and Beatrice Cleggett; parents-in-law James and Mary Betham; brother Thomas (Bud) and sister Norma.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.