Ellie Gertrude Warkentin

Ellie G. Warkentin (nee Effa) passed away peacefully at the age of 92 on Saturday, August 17, 2024, in her room at Circle Drive Special Care Home in Saskatoon, SK. Mom was cared for with much love and attention during many family visits and the kind care from Circle Drive Special Care Home staff. Ellie is survived by her loving children, Margaret Phillips, Norma (Richard) Wharton, Janet Warkentin (Paul Cossette), Karen (Gene) Layton and Brad (Heather) Warkentin. She is also survived by her brother, Alvin Effa, and her sister, Doris Effa; her thirteen grandchildren: Ryan (Anna) Topping, Ehren Topping, Marissa Topping (Dan Knaus), Rochelle (Dave) Baldock, Danielle Topping (Keelen Higgins), David Llewellin, Kayla Wharton, Tiffany (Adam) Pichler, Talita (Luke) Martens, Natasha Layton, Chad Layton, Ben Warkentin and Mira Warkentin; and her twenty-one great grandchildren. Mom was predeceased by her parents, Alexander and Otillie Effa, her husband, John O. Warkentin (Dec. 6, 2007), her brother, Wilfred Effa, and an infant grandson, Jevan Williams. Mom grew up on a farm near the small town of Springside, SK, the eldest of four siblings, siblings she would always speak of with great affection and pride. In addition to her work on the farm, she distinguished herself as a meticulous student who had a particular fondness and proficiency for math. After moving to Saskatoon, Mom took pride in using these skills as a bookkeeper at a law firm prior to her marriage. Mom met her future husband, John Oliver Warkentin, at a chemistry night school class in Saskatoon. Mom and Dad married on November 22, 1957, and they celebrated their golden anniversary together. After marriage, Mom was a homemaker. She was a spiritual woman, a wonderful listener, and an avid lifelong learner. Mom loved her family dearly, which she showed in countless ways. We have lasting memories of her helping with math homework, sewing clothes, knitting for her family and making delicious desserts. Throughout our lives, Mom’s abundant love shone through her listening, her concern and support for us during life’s challenges, and her encouragement. Mom was the spiritual model and foundation for our home. Her favourite things included family visits, praying for her family, immersing herself in all kinds of literature, her Bible being of utmost importance. She was very good with politics, current events and world events and could challenge anyone on these topics; she loved solving a good problem or word puzzle. In Mom’s younger years, she enjoyed her flower gardens, canning, baking, sewing, and knitting. Mom was a humble woman but brilliant, gifted in many ways. She was kind and generous, and her spirit incomparably beautiful. We will dearly miss our Mom (Grandma, Great Grandma).

A service of memorial and celebration will be held September 21, 1 p.m. at Acadia McKague’s Funeral Chapel (915 Acadia Drive, Saskatoon).