Ida Mae Gillatt

Ida Mae Boutilier was the last of 6 children born into the Roy Boutilier ( Anna Forss ) family. She was born on June 4, 1930, while the family was living on the Sandhill Farm, one mile east of Richard. Later, in the fall of 1936, the family moved into Richard.

Ida completed Grade 12, in June , 1949, and her class was the first group to have a formal graduation and program.

After 1 year at Saskatoon Normal School, Ida taught at Spinney Hill, Prolific, Battleford Central , Richard, Ruddell, and Maymont. She even was a substitute teacher for her niece , Cathy, a few times. Ida retired from the teaching profession in June of 1984.

On August 4, 1956, Ida married her soul mate, Cliff Gillatt. Ida and Cliff were married for over 65 years.

For 20 years, Cliff and Ida lived on the Gillatt Farm at Lilac. Her nieces and nephews were constantly running in and out of their home. Cliff and Ida , especially enjoyed when the city children, nephew, Mel Billings, then later, great nephew and niece, Garth and Glenda Kroeger would come for a visit. Cliff and Ida introduced them to many aspects of farm life, and adventures were enjoyed by all.

In the fall of 1976, Cliff and Ida moved into their brand new home along Highway 40.

Ida loved to garden and always had a huge garden in the back. She gave away a lot of fresh vegetables to family and friends. She also enjoyed canning, and doing all kinds of needlework. Ida was always eager to try a new technique to create artwork .

For years, Ida was an avid curler and enjoyed taking their RV, camping and golfing with Cliff.

Ida was a dedicated member of Battleford United Church. She would always be found working to prepare suppers, luncheons and helping with fundraising projects for the church.

She was also a member of the Lakeland Library Board, Western Development Museum Board and the Richard Women's Groups --- Homemakers, W.I. , Women's Club and Richard U.C.W.

Ida enjoyed visiting, playing cards, and watching her nieces and nephews participating in their activities. She played a lot of " Uno " in the last few years. Ida was never afraid to tell a joke or two, as well.

Aunt Idee and her husband Cliff, were the best ever second set of parents for the children of her sister, Charlotte, and Wes's children. She planned an Easter treasure hunt, yearly, for them, popped huge bowls of popcorn to take with them to Drive-In movies, and was always present for the special moments in their lives.

She will be remembered , by everyone who met her, as a very special, classy lady.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.SallowsandMcDonaldFuneralHome.com for the Gillatt family.