Mary Ann (Friesen) Voth

Mary Ann Voth, age 75, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 19, 2020 at the Herbert & District Integrated Healthcare Facility, Herbert, SK. Mary Ann Voth was born on March 10, 1945 in Swift Current, SK — the middle child of ten born to Jacob J.M. & Margaret Friesen. Her younger years were spent in Rhineland, SK. It was a lot of hard work with such a large family, but there were also a lot of fun times too.

At the age of twelve, Mary Ann began playing organ in church when all the older kids had left home for school or work. Later on, she played for the choir and also on her father’s low German radio broadcast. She also did some baby-sitting, which she was well prepared for after helping look after her younger siblings. As a teen, she attended Swift Current Bible School for one year, then later worked for SaskTel as an operator for two years in Swift Current, and also in Saskatoon, SK after she moved with her parents.

In 1965, a visit to her brother Abe & Helen Friesen in Herbert led to meeting Abe’s coworker, Bill Voth. Before long, Mary Ann & Bill were married on June 11, 1966 and started their new life on the farm near Herbert. They farmed a little bit of mixed and grain. Some of her most treasured memories with the family included taking many meals out to the combine in the fall together with Bill’s mom, Mary Voth.

In the spring of 1970, Mary Ann & Bill welcomed their first child, Daryl, who made their life very enjoyable. Another son, Terry, joined their family in 1975 to make their family complete. By that time, they were operating a dairy farm together with Bernie & Brenda Andres. The family enjoyed camping trips every summer and made many good memories on campouts with the Voth and Friesen families. The boys enjoyed their time golfing together.

The start of 1981 saw the family move into Herbert after selling the dairy. Time spent at the hockey and curling rinks became a big part of their lives, with many fond memories made with friends. Mary Ann also began a new part-time job in April of 1986 at the Herbert Senior Home, later known as Heritage Manor. She very much enjoyed her years there with the seniors, coordinating activities and playing music for them. She also played for many local funerals along with her sister-in-law, Elsie Peterson.

Mary Ann was kept busy working at the senior home and also at home raising her family until she retired in December 2009, when she just couldn’t work anymore due to severe back pain. This back pain was later diagnosed as multiple myeloma in February 2011. So began years of trips to Regina for doctor’s appointments and chemo treatments.

In June of 1997, Mary Ann & Bill were pleased to celebrate Daryl’s marriage to Colette, the first “daughter” in the family. The absolute enjoyment of her life was when the grandchildren came to join the family — Carter, McKenna, and Jackson, born to Daryl & Colette, and Brayden and Kaylee, Terry’s children. Each one was so special to her, she loved to make their favourite meals, cookies, and play with them or watch them at their activities. They, too, loved seeing their Grandma & Grandpa Voth’s faces smiling in the crowd.

Mary Ann lived her life with faith in the Lord and great love for her family. Through all of her pain during her illness, she never complained and always had a smile and a kind word for her family and friends around her. Mary Ann’s kindness, humor, excellent cooking skills, and gentle, compassionate heart will be greatly missed.

Mary Ann was predeceased by her parents, Jacob & Margaret Friesen; her brothers, Les and Al; her parents-in-law, John & Mary Voth; her sisters-in-law, Elsie Peterson, Sophie Voth, Gail Friesen, and Helen Friesen; her brothers-in-law, Harry Voth, Victor Voth, and Cecil Peterson; and by several other family members.  

Mary Ann leaves to mourn her husband, Bill; her son, Daryl (Colette) Voth, and their children, Carter, McKenna, and Jackson; her son, Terry Voth, and his children, Brayden and Kaylee; her special friend, Ruth Newton; her brothers, Abe, Menno (Naomi), Ernie, John (Bonnie), and Leroy (Brenda); her sisters, Tina (John) and Linda; her brothers-in-law, Abe (Lynn), Wes (Norlaine), and Lorne (Judy); her sisters-in-law, Cathy Crawford, Dorothy Voth, and Carol Voth; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

The Funeral Service for Mary Ann Voth was held on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at 2:00 pm from Living Faith Fellowship Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Lincoln Vellacott officiating. “The River” and “What a Day That Will Be” were sung by those in attendance. The eulogy was given by Mary Ann’s grandchildren. The tribute was given by Ruth Newton.

The Private Interment Service was held prior to the Funeral Service from the Herbert Cemetery, Herbert, SK with Mary Ann’s family serving as Pallbearers.

In memory of Mary Ann Voth, donations made to Rock Solid Refuge and West Bank Bible Camp would be appreciated by the family.

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