Rea Fae (Spencer) Kleim

Rea Kleim, of Swift Current, and formerly of Pennant, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, May 5, 2019 at The Meadows in Swift Current at the age of 99 years.

Rea is survived by her two sons, Gene (Gail) of Pennant, and Kerry of Calgary; her grandchildren, Randy (Ranee) of Pennant, and Rodney (Stephanie) of Calgary; her great-grandchildren, Bella, Lars, Emma, Carter, and Spencer.

Rea was predeceased by her husband, Kurt, in 2010; her parents, Lydia & Otto Spencer; her sister, Merle Earl; and by an infant brother, Perry.

Rea was born on July 8, 1919, at Swift Current, SK. Rea and Merle grew up with their parents on a farm fifteen miles north of Success. Rea attended Vendetta School, often walking or riding horseback the two miles from their home. After completing grade 11 and 12 at Beatty Collegiate in Swift Current, Rea attended Normal School in Moose Jaw from 1937-1938. She taught school for twelve years in the Pennant district, north of Swift Current, north of Kyle, and at Battrum.

Rea married Kurt Kleim on October 29, 1948. They farmed and raised their two sons on the farm where Kurt’s parents had farmed and lived for many years. Rea was a member of the Pennant Senior’s Club — she loved the social part of that as well as playing cards with all of her friends. They continued to have their card playing days, even after most of her friends had moved to Swift Current. We must thank Thelma Wallace for taking mom to those card days in Swift Current, as her friends were at different facilities in the city.

Rea & Kurt worked hard at growing crops and large gardens. They generously shared garden fruits and vegetables with family, friends, and the city food bank in Swift Current for many years. Rea won many horticulture awards at the Stewart Valley Green Thumbs Horticulture Society and continued to do that until she was 82 years old. We were all amazed at how well she worked with her bent and twisted hands, the result of arthritis, which she had since her early fifties. Rea always seemed to cook and bake delicious homemade meals. She was kind and often found time to spend with her family and close friends.

In her last couple of years, visits from her great-grandchildren were one of the few things that brought a smile to her face. Rea’s arthritis continued to cause physical difficulties, so after spending 85 years on the farm, Rea & Kurt moved into Riverview Village Estates in Swift Current. Kurt passed away in 2010, and Rea continued living at Riverview on her own until July 2016. Rea spent her last two and a half years in House 5 at The Meadows facility in Swift Current. Rea will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.

The Kleim family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff in House 5 of The Meadows, for their kindness and special care given to Rea during her time there.

The Memorial Service for Rea Kleim will be held on Friday, May 31, 2019 at 2:00 pm from the Pennant Senior’s Centre, Pennant, SK with Deacon David Hagel officiating. Music for the service will be brought by the Kleim’s long-time friends, Thelma Wallace, Floyd Currie,  Norris Currie, and Marlene Abel.

The Private Family Interment Service will be held at a later date.

In memory of Rea Kleim, donations made to the Arthritis Society, Alzheimer Society, or to the Dr. Noble Irwin Foundation would be appreciated by the family. 

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