Rheta Mary Bradford

Rheta Mary Bradford stepped into the arms of Jesus on April 1st, 2021, at the age of 93. She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Theodore Charles Bradford, and their second son, Ronald Albert Bradford, granddaughter Kendall Angela Walker, as well as her two brothers, Earl and Ivan Olmstead.

Rheta was born on June 1st, 1927 to Percy James Foster Olmstead and Clara McFarlane Olmstead in Gregg, Manitoba, Canada. She met her husband, Ted, in Carberry, Manitoba. They were married on October 19, 1950, and subsequently moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where their first son, Jim, was born. Two years later their second son, Ronnie, was born. However, at two years of age Ronnie was killed in a tragic accident in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Overcoming that loss, Rheta went on to eventually give birth to three daughters – Linda, Brenda, and Joanne.

Years later, Ted and Rheta welcomed Sandy Luczak (husband Eric) to live with them through the birth of Sandy’s daughter Bonnie Swaby (husband Andrew). Olivia Swaby was later born to Bonnie. They have kept in close touch with Rheta over the years as an extended part of the Bradford family.

Rheta’s husband, Ted, passed away suddenly in 2004 while living in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They had been partners in every way – hosting home Bible Studies, volunteering in a wide variety of church ministries and simply loving and reaching out to people. Rheta was also a stay-at-home mom until helping her husband start their own business, VariClean Services, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

She will always be known for her love for Jesus, her prayer life for her children and the unique relationship that she had with each of her grandchildren. Rheta was never one to want to be in the spotlight, but was always humble in attitude, holy in lifestyle and hungry for more of God. Her life around home was marked by the praise songs she would sing and her unselfish serving of those around her. She was also great with word games!

Following her husband’s passing, Rheta went to live with her youngest daughter, Joanne, and her family in Florida. The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Joanne and Ralph and their four sons for welcoming Rheta into their home for these past 16 plus years. It was a wonderful, caring, energizing place for her to live and grow older. Special thanks also to Susie Smith for her beautifully compassionate care for and friendship with Rheta over the past 18 months. Heart-felt appreciation also goes to the Source Church in Bradenton, Florida, for being Rheta’s beloved home church and for hosting her Celebration of Life service.

Rheta is survived by four children and their spouses: James Bradford (Sandi) of Springfield, MO, Linda Walker (Ken) of Sarasota, FL, Brenda Marshall (Todd) of St. Paul, MN and Joanne Hoehne (Ralph) of Myakka City, FL. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Garrett Walker (Audrey), Meredith Sebastian (Danny), Devin Walker (Kate), Angeline Bradford (Michael), Kelsie Freitag (Ben), Brett Hoehne (Molly), Keeghan Walker, Ashton Hoehne, Connor Hoehne (Rachael), Taylor Marshall, and Logan Hoehne. Rheta is additionally survived by 8 great grandchildren, her brother, Neil Olmstead, and many other extended family members.

Rheta will be laid to rest beside her late husband in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the building fund of Rheta’s home church, The Source Church at www.source.church.