Melba Darwin Batty

Melba May Batty (Darwin) passed away Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at the age of 94 years. She was born on November 28, 1922 in Limerick, Saskatchewan, one of twin girls, to Jessie and Charles Darwin. She attended school, grades 1 through 12, in Limerick, and worked at the Limerick Post Office through grades 11 and 12. Following high school, Melba attended Balfour Tech Business College in Regina, returning to Assiniboia to work at the Assiniboia Post Office. On December 8, 1943, Melba married Neil Batty and went to live on the Batty farm, where she learned to milk cows, feed livestock, help out at seeding and harvest, and garden. Two children, Maureen and Jim, blessed their union. They spent winters in Assiniboia from 1965 until 1977 when Jim took over the farm, and Neil and Melba moved into town full time.Melba was always active, playing ball and skating, belonging to Girl Guides and Canadian Girls In Training (C.G.I.T) while growing up. She attended Sunday school at the United Church in Limerick for nine years without missing a Sunday. She also attended the Anglican Church and sang in the United Church choir. Following her marriage, she taught the United Church Sunday school and read the children’s story for many years. She led a 4-H group while the children were growing up, Square and Round Danced for 20 years, and played golf in later years, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She also loved to curl, reaching the Ladies’ Southern’s in 1966 and runner-up in the Provincial Sask. Seniors’ in 1982. As a member of the “Entertainers”, she loved to “ham it up” with their group of girls. Melba appreciated a good laugh or joke, and could always laugh at her own foibles. The fellowship and friendships developed during her membership with the Order of the Eastern Star in Limerick and Assiniboia Chapters were dear to her. In April of 2016, Melba received her 70-year membership pin, a milestone she was determined to reach and which she treasured. She was also a member of the Daughters of the Nile, Anqet Temple, Regina, and worked for the Shriners’ Crippled Children program. Melba and Neil loved to travel, and had many wonderful trips with the Square Dancers, along the Pacific Rim, and following the World Curling and the Briar. They visited many countries in the British Isles, Europe, Asia, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the Caribbean, as well as much of the United States and most of Canada. Melba loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren unconditionally, and was very proud of their accomplishments. She considered herself blessed to have a wonderful daughter-in-law Kathy and son-in-law Jim.Predeceased by her husband Neil, parents Jessie and Charles Darwin, two brothers Jim Darwin and Stewart Darwin, and two sisters Marjorie Darwin and Margaret Darwin (her twin), she leaves to mourn:daughter Maureen (Jim) Rediger of Brandon, MB, son Jim (Kathy) of Limerick, SK; grandchildren Deena (Darcy) Dutchak of Canora, SK, Jason (Amanda) Batty of Neerlandia, AB, Jeff (Tanis) Batty of Mossbank, SK, Kirsten (Clayton) Nicolajsen of Carmen, MB, Kendra (Ben) Acton of Victoria, BC; great grandchildren Nathan, Nicole, Ava, Abigail, Jack, Cole, Kyle, Luke, Emma and Connor.“A good life with ups and downs, but the up triumphed! May God bless my children and grandchildren and great grandchildren. I will always watch over you.”Arrangements under the direction of Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK.