Obituary of Inez Bernice Van Eaton

Inez Bernice Van Eaton Inez Bernice Van Eaton (nee Peterson) was born February 17, 1928 in the Mont Nebo District as one of 9 siblings and passed away peacefully on March 14th, 2016 at the age of 88 at Whispering Pine Place in Canwood, SK. She is mourned by her loving husband of 62 years Jim Van Eaton and her sisters Edith (Harold) Larsen and Arlene (Roy) Krake. Inez is predeceased by her parents Ole and Annie Peterson, her brothers William, Bernie, Arthur and Leonard and by her sisters Alice Peterson and Mildred Johnson. Inez and Jim were married Dec. 17 1953.She attended Teacher’s College in Saskatoon and received her University upgrade through summer school in both Edmonton and Saskatoon. When she met her future husband Jim she was teaching 42 grade 1 students by herself! Besides being a beloved and respected teacher, Inez was also a busy farm wife and spent most summers doing summer fallow on the farm, where she mastered the art of straight rows. In 1959 Inez and Jim built their first house together at Rayside. She spent happy summers in her garden, tending to her flowers and her strawberry patch, which gave fruit for many batches of freezer jam. Inez also made sure she always had delicious cakes, cookies and pies on hand for anyone who visited. In addition, much of her time was dedicated to needle point, cross-stitching, knitting, crocheting and petit point. She produced many magnificent pieces of art, which she lovingly shared with her family. Inez was also an accomplished and dedicated organ player and served as a long-time respected member and friend at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Shellbrook. When the couple launched their photography business in 1970, Inez was an integral part doing corrections, posing and administrative work. Once she discovered a forgotten bride at the studio who had been accidentally left behind and she was instrumental in returning her to her wedding party so the festivities could continue. Inez spent a total of 20 years teaching in the Parkland School Division as well as the PA Rural Unit, where she left many lasting impressions on her young students – many of which still remember her today. Predictably – when Jim and Inez bought a Cessna Cardinal 177, Inez adeptly became the trusted and accomplished navigator on their many long-distance trips to places such as Washington State, Oregon and Florida. Their love of travel also extended to the many road trips they took together to places such as Alaska, California, Washington and Oregon. In 1989 the couple moved to Shellbrook, where Inez was blessed to design and own her very own custom kitchen, where she created many more cakes, cookies and pies as well as scrumptious meals. She landscaped the yard with perennials, annuals and shrubs and continued to beautify her home with her many gorgeous works of embroidery. Her talent was undeniable. Her remaining 2 ½ years were spent peacefully at Whispering Pine’s Place in Canwood, where she was lovingly cared for by the dedicated staff (Thank you all!) and visited by her loving husband Jim, her dedicated niece Susan McComas and her husband Jim and her long-time friend Ella Reidt. Together, Jim and Inez made and excellent team and were blessed to accomplish many wonderful things for their community which have left a lasting stamp on Shellbrook forever. Inez’ Funeral was held on March 30th, 2016 at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Shellbrook. The service was officiated by Pastor Chris Dean, who used Inez’s bible as a guide for the beautiful service. Honorary pallbearers were Brent, Greg, David and Clark Spencer. A very special “Thank You” to the Church ladies for their catering after the service. Also much gratitude goes out to Susan and Jim McComas. Their dedicated care will never be forgotten. Another special “Thank You” goes to Inez’ long-time friend Ella Reidt, who was unwavering in her support. Inez’s grace, wisdom for teaching and love will be greatly missed and she will live in our hearts forever. Memorial donations can be made to the Shellbrook and Districts Health Services Foundation. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Director Tammy Smart. The Internment will take place at a later date at the Shellbrook Cemetery.