Obituary of Dorothy Eleanor Gellert

GELLERT - Mrs. Dorothy Gellert of Yorkton, formerly of the Stornoway district, beloved wife of the late Oscar Gellert passed away October 8, 2015 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. She was 89 years of age. Dorothy Eleanor Gellert was born August 14, 1926, SW of Willowbrook, she was the oldest child of Theodore and Julia Starr (Wrishko). The family lived in Willowbrook and Yorkton at times, before settling in their home on James Ave. Dorothy attended Simpson School, learning to skate there at an early age. Grandma Sarah Starr taught her embroidery and to knit. She was able to knit two dresses for her baby sister Marlyn in 1936 and her teacher Miss Baldwin entered these in fairs in Regina & Yorkton. In December 1939 the family moved to Margo where they operated Margo Motors. While finishing grade 8, she learned telephone operator work, but soon was working at Otterdahl's General Store, after school, weekends and holidays. Those were rationing days when sugar had to be bagged and wrapped in small portions. Following summer classes at Saskatoon Normal School she taught two years at Patten School, between Kuroki and Kylemore, boarding with Sis and Frank Van Patten. In May of 1946 they awoke one morning to find the school burned down. The grade 8's wrote their exams in the Van Patten house. When her family moved back to Yorkton in 1946, she decided to take her grade 12 as Y.C. I. She taught grades 1 & 2 for two years in Rhein. During this time she met Oscar Gellert of Stornoway. They were married on October 14, 1949. The couple farmed in the Stornoway district until Oscar's sudden passing in 2006. In 2007 Dorothy moved to Yorkton and resided at Queen Elizabeth Court where she enjoyed many activities and socializing with friends. Dorothy and Oscar were blessed with three children, and four grandchildren, Rhonda (Gary) Kyle and Cassie of Saskatoon, Karen of Yorkton and Grant (Candy), Jenna and of Brianna of Stornoway. The family enjoyed several trips to B.C. and Ontario, visiting relatives. Expo 67 was highlight. The family enjoyed holidaying at their cottage at Madge Lake. Mom also enjoyed curling at home and in all local bonspiels. Dorothy was always willing to work for the good of the community. She organized swim classes, blood donor clinics, Red Cross sewing, Community College, Red Cross and Cancer campaigns. Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, Theodore (Ted) and Julia, her husband Oscar, a sister Georgina and a brother Bob. She is survived by; Rhonda and family, Karen, Grant and family, sister Marlyn (Dennis) Wagner and family of Yorkton, brother-in-law Alf Achtemichuk of Yorkton and several cousins, nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service was held on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Rev. Jen Dresser of St. Andrew's United Church officiating. Words of remembrance were shared by various family members. The interment followed in the Garden of St. John at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Kyle Gellert serving as the urn bearer. Memorials honouring Dorothy's life may be made to the Canadian Red Cross or the Canadian Cancer Society as gifts or remembrance. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome Service Information Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre Details: Service Extra Info In accordance with Dorothy's wishes a private memorial service will be held. Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens