Miriam Ruth Grunau

On July 21, 2019 at Menno Hospital in Abbotsord, BC, Miriam Grunau died at the age of 97, passing over into the loving presence of Jesus, fulfilling her deepening desire to go to her final home. She was released with both joy and sadness by her children Floyd (Joyce) Grunau, Audrey (Chuck) Phelps, Ruth (Gerry) Teichrob, James Grunau, and Glen (Karen) Grunau. She also leaves behind her siblings, Salome (Schmidt) Ratzlaff, Lois (Schmidt) Dirks, Wilma Schmidt, Loyal (Marg) Schmidt and Royal (Joyce) Schmidt, along with 7 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Rudy Grunau, her parents Edwin and Helena (Goosen) Schmidt, and two sisters, Verna (Menno) Dirks and Laurina (Leonard) Graham.

Miriam was born in Hillsboro, Kansas, but grew up on a farm in the Mennonite community of Waldheim, Saskatchewan. Four sisters were born before any brothers arrived, leaving many of the farm chores to Miriam and her next older sister. Miriam developed into somewhat of a “tomboy” and enjoyed her times with the boys and playing games of soccer and softball.

On October 24, 1940, Miriam married her sweetheart Rudy Grunau. They spent the first few years of married life in St Catherines, Ontario, working in a war manufacturing plant. Miriam often said those years were some of the best of her life, describing them as an extended honeymoon. They moved back to Waldheim for the birth of their first child Floyd, spent a short time in Abbotsford where Audrey was born, and then returned to the farm in Waldheim. Several years later, they moved to Saskatoon where Ruth was born. After four years in the city, Miriam and Rudy settled on farming (Rudy's favorite occupation) in the Waldheim area where James was born. In 1958, they pulled up roots and moved west to begin a new life in Red Deer, Alberta, where their last child Glen was born.

Having previously been introduced to the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in Saskatoon, they now rejoiced to be able to join the Alliance Church in Red Deer where they became active in service and established many of their life-long friendships. Although a retirement was briefly attempted in Abbotsford, BC, they soon returned “home” to Red Deer for their remaining days together. Sadly, Miriam had to relinquish her dream of enjoying her retirement years with her husband when her beloved Rudy died when she was 62 years old. Two years after Rudy passed away, Miriam chose to move back to Abbotsford where she resided for many years at North Oaks Manor. She again involved herself in the activities she previously enjoyed at the Sevenoaks Alliance Church when she attended there with Rudy. She could never imagine being with anyone other than Rudy and chose to remain a widow for her remaining years. She always considered her children her “best friends” and received much joy from the many times spent with them and with her grandchildren.

Miriam was a kind, gentle, caring, and sensitive person and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a tireless listener and would often inquire into the well-being of all of the members of her family. She was a woman of deep faith and prayer. Her children were gifted with the confidence of always knowing that they would be daily included in the faithful prayers of their mother. She was generous of heart and was continually giving of her time and service to others.

Singing became one of her favourite expressions of prayer. Her children have fond memories of hearing their mother at home raising her heart in song to her beloved Jesus. She was a “natural” and easily sang the alto, tenor, or bass harmonies. For years she sang in various ladies' trio groups in church, other music groups, and in choirs, although one of her greatest joys was singing with her children. Miriam’s final public singing performance took place at the age of 96 when she delivered a very competent alto voice while singing with all of her children in the Abbotsford Menno Hospital Chapel.

With these virtues and her love for song, Miriam was well suited for the areas of service that she joyfully fulfilled. In addition to her active involvement in music in her church, she was superintendent of the Cradle Roll and engaged in various prayer opportunities, including as a committee member of the women's missionary prayer fellowship.

She had great compassion for those who lived alone. She felt a special calling to visit and care for the "shut-ins" who were isolated, either in their own home or in care homes. Often she would bring along some of her delicious freshly baked buns. Although Miriam always desired to attend Bible School, she wasn't able to do so. However, her love for missions was fulfilled through establishing her own portfolio of missionaries with whom she corresponded regularly and prayed for consistently. With some of these she was able to establish meaningful relationships and friendships that continued throughout her life.

Miriam loved to laugh. Perhaps, in particular, her sons and later her sons-in-law found their mother to be the perfect recipient for a good tease. Her children will always have fond memories of her laughter and her oft retort of “fiddlesticks” or “foolishness” or "don't be ridiculous!". The fond hope of her children is for the day when they will be re-united with their mother and hear the heavens ring with her song and the peal of her laughter.

Interment and a brief grave side memorial service open to all friends and family will be held on Monday, July 29 at 2:00 pm at the Alto Reste Cemetery - 3.6 km east of 30 Avenue on Highway 11 in Red Deer, Alberta.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 3 at 2:00 pm at the Abbotsford Menno Hospital Chapel - 32945 Marshall Road, Abbotsford, BC. Some free parking is available on site.

As an expression of sympathy, contributions may be made to Journey Home Community.

A special word of thanks is extended to the caring staff at Menno Hospital and Menno Home Terrace East who loved Miriam and offered compassionate care to her throughout her residency.