Elizabeth Anne Argue

January 10th, 2014

In keeping with her practice of being first to rise and last to bed, Elizabeth, better known as Betty, finished her life by passing away just before midnight on Friday, January 10, 2014 after the day’s work was done and with her daughter, Jocelyn, by her side. Betty was predeceased by her husband, Clifford (2002), her parents, Alexandra (Ali) and Phil Schwieder, her beloved twin brother, Robert (Bob), and siblings Murray, Margaret, Frank and Phyllis. She is survived by her sister, Jacqueline, and her children Robert (Irene Jordan) and son Gabriel; Philip (Dana Griffith) and daughter Eryn Griffith (Ken Kubota) and granddaughters Kaelyn and Ana Kubota; Neil (Sheila Mogk); Scott and his children Lane (Camille Surovy) and Charlene (Devon Lowenburg) and Jocelyn (James Parker) and their children Madeline and Andrew Parker. Betty was raised in a busy, happy household in Marquis, Sask. She said she learned her work ethic from her father and a sense of fun from her mother. At 17, she moved to Saskatoon. What happened there set the course of her life - she received both a diploma in business, which taught her an appreciation for money and what one can do with it, and a Bachelors in English, which developed her love of poetry and an appreciation for the beauty in life. Saskatoon was also where she met the man who would become her husband of 57 years, Clifford Argue, and who would persuade this town girl that living on the farm would be a good idea. The two made roots east of Grenfell where they had a successful grain/cattle farm, raising both Aberdeen Angus and five kids. Although there was plenty of work to go around with several gardens, apple trees and Betty’s treasured flower bed, Betty and Clif made a little time for fun, enjoying trips to Hawaii, attending the Winnipeg Folk Festival and taking their 1965 Dodge Handi-Van on the road for short trips. Betty also made time for her community, serving on the credit union and library boards, the United Church’s stewards’ committee, and as a Sunday school teacher, a long-serving member of the United Church Women, and a teacher’s aide. Later in life, Betty moved to Regina to be closer to medical care, living first at Marian Chateau and then Selo Gardens Personal Care Home. A special thanks to: Lorilei Fletcher and the staff at Selo whose tender care made Betty’s last days as comfortable as possible and to Jack Mullock, proprietor of College Avenue Drugs, and Trina McPhail and the folks at Bayshore Home Health for going above and beyond the call of duty. The Graveside Service will be held on Friday, January 17, 2014 at 3:30 p.m. in Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery (please meet at cemetery gates). A Celebration of her Life will take place in Grenfell United Church on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 2:00 p.m., with Rev. David Maxwell presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s memory may be made to the Lung Association of Saskatchewan, 200 – 1801 MacKay Street, Regina, SK S4N 6E7.

Messages:

Hi Jocelyn, so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. This will not be an easy time, but time will also help to heal your heart. Remember the good stuff, always. It will help you to laugh and smile again.

Dear Jocelyn, James, Maddy and Andrew, One of the best listeners I have met is gone. Whenever I spoke to her she always asked about our family and never spoke about herself, even when pressed a bit. I remember her nice smile and sense of humour. She might let on how proud she was of her grand kids, and certainly liked to talk about current events with a turn of phrase and shot at some politicians in a joking but kind way. I sensed she loved you all very much. Judy and I will miss her. We are sorry for your loss.

Dear Bob, Phil, Neil, Scott and Jocelyn: We are saddened to hear of your mother's passing. We had many interesting and enriching conversations with both of your parents. Of course Gordon remembers those of you who attended Grenfell High while he was there. We would love to be in Grenfell today to renew acquaintances, but Gordon has recently undergone surgery and is not quite up to the challenge. We loved the way your mother's face would light up with joy whenever our paths crossed and we always enjoyed "catching up" on your whereabouts and your choice of careers. Your Mom was a person we will never forget as she lived life to the fullest and had time for everyone. Our sincere sympathy to you all. Gordon & Florence

Dear Family, My thoughts have been with you all this week as you say good-bye to your Mom. Although we didn't see much of each other, I have fond memories of the times we did connect to discuss gardens, politics, and that amazing Schwieder family. Please accept my sympathies.

Dear Cousins Bob, Phil, Neil, Scott and Jocelyn: I was saddened to learn of Aunt Betty's death. I remember her as a tiny woman bursting with energy and enthusiasm. She was fun. I always enjoyed my visits to the farm and I have very fond memories of a wacky rooster and long far ranging talks in the big farm kitchen- politics, philosophy, curries and art. I feel very fortunate to have had such an aunt. My heart goes out to all of you at this very sad time. Hugs and love Leslie

Dear Argue Family: Your mother Betty and I were brought up by two of the last pioneers to Saskatchewan. We were taught to live by The Golden Rule, to give for the joy of giving, to always do our best and to make the world a better place than we found it. Your mother did this exceedingly well. Much love, Jackie.

Aunt Betty always had a sense of fun and an active mind. When we would visit there was always a lot going on in the kitchen when the Schweider sisters were together. I have to thank the Argues, especially Scott and Phil for their hospitality to a cousin when I traveled across Saskatchewan. My condolences to a kind and canny family.

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