Eleanor June Gares

The family of Eleanor June Gares wishes to share her passing on Monday, October 13, 2025 in Indian Head, Saskatchewan.

Eleanor was born on June 13, 1934 in Regina, Saskatchewan to proud parents George and Lena Ferris and big sister Ethel. In 1946 she became a big sister to Jim (Crick) Robertson. Eleanor attended school in Indian Head and eventually began work in Indian Head as well. Eleanor spent her lifetime in Indian Head and would often refer to herself as ‘an original’ - proud of her hometown right up until her passing.

Eleanor welcomed daughter Heather in 1955 and balanced motherhood and her work life while being involved in her community. As a young woman she was an avid fan of the historic Indian Head Rockets baseball team and her love of baseball eventually re-focused on the Toronto Blue Jays. Eleanor was a true sports fan. Her competitive nature made her the perfect fan. She enjoyed watching all sports on tv, but curling was a favorite and she enjoyed attending curling events with son Ronald. She was a Saskatchewan Rough Rider fan and enjoyed her years as a IHHS Broncs athletic supporter.

In 1963, she married Albert Gares and they welcomed their daughter Sheryl that same year. This marked the move from Eleanor as town girl to farm wife, a role she maintained for most of the rest of her life. Eleanor and Albert operated a successful broiler operation and grain farm for many years. The balance of work, family and fun was always a priority. In 1965, they welcomed their son Ronald to the family. In 1969 they built a new home on the site of the original Kerr farmhouse, followed soon after by the birth of Darcy in 1970. Although farming, maintaining a household and raising a family was demanding, Eleanor and Albert had active social lives. They were avid card players and spent many years hosting card parties in their home and attending events in the community. They were founding members of the Indian Head Heritage Club. Eleanor enjoyed dancing and she and Albert enjoyed many cabarets in their 20 years together.

In September of 1983, Albert passed and Eleanor learned to navigate a new normal on the farm on her own. She continued to support the United Church, in particular the United Church Women (UCW) organization. With kids grown she had more time to be a gardener, baker, bowler and card player (playing her last game of crib with son Darcy on October 1!). Eleanor relied on her faith, family and fun to fill the rest of her days with love and joy. We find peace and comfort knowing she is reunited with friends and family, dancing and playing cards once again.

Eleanor was predeceased by her parents: George and Lena Ferris; sister Ethel Holzapfel and son-in-law Bradley Petford.

She is survived by her children: Heather (Fred Thompson) Gares Thompson; Sheryl (Dennis Weetman) Gares; Ronald Gares (Angela Bollman) and Darcy Gares (Amy Redding); grands: Siobhan Mcleod, Seth (Kayla) Gares and Zane Gares, Samuel Weetman – Gares and Jorlyn Weetman Gares; great-grand Naeem Babiker; brother Jim (Crick) Robertson and like a sister to her, Albert’s daughter Myrna Larmet, as well as nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the Indian Head Hospital, Hayes Haven Personal Care Home 2019 - 2021, Fillmore Integrated Care Home November 2021 - May 2022 and Golden Prairie Nursing Home May 2022 - until her passing October 2025 for providing her comfort, care and compassion.

A funeral service will be held in St. Andrews United Church, Indian Head, Saskatchewan on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Don Jewitt. The interment will take place in the Indian Head Cemetery.

Donations in Eleanor’s memory can be made to: Indian Head Hospital Foundation, Box 1547, Indian Head, SK S0G 2K0, [email protected] or Indian Head Heritage Club, Box 134, Indian Head, SK S0G 2K0.