Ella Froese
Obituary
Our dear sister, aunt and great-aunt, Ella Froese, was born on June 20, 1949 to Joe and Lena Eidse Froese in Morris, Manitoba. She passed away peacefully at the Maplewood Manor, Steinbach, MB, on Saturday, July 15, 2017, with her siblings and some nieces and nephews by her side. The words “Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home” were being sung as she slipped away. She had just reached the age of 68 years.
She grew up in the Rosenort area and received her education in the Greenbank School. Having grown up on the family farm she was not immune to hard work and making do.
In her youth she realized that she was a sinner and upon repentance and peace in her heart, she was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite on March 10, 1963 by Minister Dave Penner in Rosenort,MB. She remained true to God and her vows until the end. In time the move to Steinbach for work resulted in a membership transfer to the Kleefeld congregation. After retirement she moved back to Rosenort and was a member of the Red River congregation. Her radiant smile and ringing testimony at the last revivals was inspirational to all. She endeavored to live life with the feeling of unworthiness of God’s blessings on her.
Her heart found song as a medium of expressing its joy. Many hours were spent singing with her sisters. She could sing notes from memory till almost the end, even as she battled her fading memory. She endeavored to accept God’s plan for her.
Ella found employment at the Greenland home, in home care, at the Maplewood Manor and in sewing for others. She, together with Florence, provided a loving foster home for a number of small children in the early 1970’s. Ella had a big heart for others. She spent years away from home in service to her Master. The mission posts at Huetamo and Saltillo, Mexico and Spanish Lookout, Belize were very dear to her. She made many friendships that she treasured. This love for others also led her and her sister Florence to open a Bed and Breakfast for a few years. The aunties were a special blessing to their nieces and nephews in many ways, including the numerous campouts at Tranquil Cottage. Ella’s keen interest in each one of them and her sense of humor will long be remembered.
Left to cherish precious memories are one brother and two sisters; Ivan and Winnifred Froese, Florence Froese, Myrna and Glenn Goossen, all of Rosenort MB. Also, six nephews, seven nieces, and their spouses and children.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one nephew and one great niece.
The family would like to give their heartfelt thanks to the home care personnel and also the care givers at Maplewood Manor for their compassionate care of our sister and aunt.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Red River Church, Rosenort, MB, with viewing prior to the service. The burial will follow at the Rosenort Church of God Cemetery.
