Tribute

It is with sad but grateful hearts we share that our beloved Mom has passed into the presence of the Lord on March 6th, 2022 at age 93. Luetta was born in Rosetown, Saskatchewan on November 29th, 1928. She was the eldest of two children born to her parents Jacob and Agatha ( nee Elias ) Warkentin.

Luetta will be dearly missed by her loving children, son Roland, son Paul and his wife Sandra and daughter Judy. She will also be deeply missed by her brother Elvin and her double first cousins Marlene, ( Walt ) and Vicky and friend Renate. Luetta was predeceased by her husband Henry on April 15, 2005 and her parents Jacob on April 21, 1997 and Agatha on June 18, 1990.

Luetta’s Life Story, ( written by Luetta )

I Luetta Mary Diewert ( nee Warkentin ) was born on November 29th, 1928 in Rosetown Saskatchewan. My parents were Jacob and Agatha ( nee Elias ) Warkentin. They came separately to Canada from the Ukraine in 1923. Before they met in 1925 they lived only half a mile apart. They met in Herschel Saskatchewan where my Dad farmed with three of his brothers. They were married on February 9th , 1928. My brother Elvin was born on December 5th, 1931. I remember a happy childhood, with cousins not living far away. Thanks to my parents hard work on the farm, we always had enough to eat. I’m sure that times were very difficult in many ways that a child could not understand. My Mother was a good seamstress and along with the hand me downs from aunts and uncles Elvin and I always had nice clothes to wear. We went to school by either horse and buggy or horse and sleigh in the winter. In the winter there was always much snow which made the trip much shorter. We could go across the fields instead of on the road. Wheat harvest time was for our parents a very busy time. The women had to do much cooking and baking to feed the hard working men. We as children enjoyed all the activity, fresh buns and coffee out on the fields in the afternoon. There are too many memories to write them all down.

In October 1943 we made a move to British Columbia. My Dad bought a farm at Coghlan, ( now Aldergrove ) and planted strawberries. There was an apple orchard across the road and we could eat as many apples as we wanted. Which for us was something new and wonderful. Bethel Mennnonite Church was one mile away and we very soon found many new friends and good fellowship there. My parents were soon very involved and continued to be over the years. I was pianist and organist for the congregation and the choir for a number of years. It was my service to God and brought great joy to me. I have many wonderful memories of the beautiful music that we as a choir performed to the glory of God.

In 1949 I went to Vancouver to work as a live in housekeeper. I helped numerous families during those years. I enjoyed the work and the children. In 1952 I moved to St. Catherines Ontario to be with my Uncle George and my Aunt Annie, ( my mother’s sister ) and my cousins Vicky and Mary Anne. It was for me a very happy time and I was treated like I was one of the family. I did a few housekeeping jobs and spent as much time as possible with the family. I enjoyed many trips to the beach and even went to a few dances. For many years Vicky and I remained very close and kept in touch via the telephone.
In February of 1953 I came home for Mother and Dad’s silver wedding anniversary celebration. I returned to Vancouver to work as a live in Nanny for a wonderful family. The family became lifelong friends and kept in touch with me long after I was employed by them. I also had a wonderful part time job working at a specialty women’s clothing store on South Granville Madame Runge’s. In 1957 my Dad became ill and couldn’t run his small grocery store ( Warkentin General Store ) by himself. So I moved back home to help out. My Dad was able to recover and resume running the store on his own. In August of 1957 I obtained employment with the Canadian Imperial Bank Of Commerce in nearby Langley. I very much enjoyed my job at the bank. I continued to work there for four years.

In October of 1962 I met Henry Diewert and his two children at the home of a mutual friend. In time we grew to love each other and married on May 25th, 1963. There were the two children involved Roland 5 and Judy 3 so the decision to marry was difficult for me. Hoping I would make a good mother and wife. Henry had a home in Richmond B.C. so there were many changes in my life. I loved the children very much and we were all happy together. On November 5th, 1964 I gave birth to a baby boy. I named him Paul our family was now complete. Life was not always easy, but we worked hard, had good holidays and were grateful. In 1965 we moved to Ladner B.C. where Henry had built a new home. The years passed quickly. We had good neighbours around us. The children were growing up and going to school. There was always much work to keep us busy.
Henry built another new home for us in Langley B.C.. Henry and I moved there in March of 1998. Henry bought a new truck and camper and we took some wonderful trips together. In 1991 we travelled across Canada to Ontario and then back home through the U.S.A. In 1994 we travelled to Alaska. The years living in Langley were good and we enjoyed our lovely home. The children came often to visit and help out. Eventually Henry began to have health challenges and was diagnosed with Diabetes. Henry died April 14th, 2005 of heart failure due to complications from diabetes. To this day I am still living in my home. Thanks to the wonderful love and help of Roland, Judy and Paul I am able to stay in my home. I have good friends. I enjoy the birds, especially the hummingbirds and wild animals, especially the deer that visit my yard. Looking back I once enjoyed daily walks around the neighbourhood. When the walking became difficult I enjoyed daily scooter rides around the neighbourhood. I now enjoy all the beauty that nature has to offer me from the warmth and comfort of my home.

At Mom’ request there will be no funeral or memorial service.