Obituary of Bernice Monka
The family of Bernice Monka, longtime Yorkton resident, widow of the late John Monka, sadly announce her passing on Saturday, June 14, 2025. She was 90 years of age.
The Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025 at 11:00am from St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church, Yorkton.
CLICK HERE for Live Stream beginning at 10:45a.m.
The interment will follow in the Garden of Gethsemene at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens.
Bernice Monka was born on April 16, 1935 on the family farm in the St. Lina district of Alberta; a daughter of Andrew and Edna Ralstin. She attended school in the St. Lina district. She would walk, ride a horse, or drove a horse and wagon to school and was very helpful with chores. Bernice attended Lakeland College in Vermillion, AB for one year, taking Home Economics. Bernice was living with her grandma in Cloverdale, BC when she went to a dance and met John. The couple were married on August 1st 1960 in St. Lina, and were married for 61 years. The couple made their home in Yorkton, as this is where John worked. Bernice was a homemaker and babysitter for many years. She always had a big garden and in the fall would freeze and can the produce. She also grew a large flower garden, including petunia’s outside and geranium’s and other plants inside. Bernice could sew, fix and hem anything from doll outfits to bridesmaid dresses to clothes for herself and the girls. She also knitted and crocheted blankets, tablecloths, dishcloths, kitchen towels and slippers. In her spare moments she enjoyed doing puzzles and word search games. She was a member of the Yorkton Horticultural Society and was a faithful member of St. Gerard’s Church, and had served on the banner team for many years. In her retirement John and Bernice enjoyed coffeetimes with their gang. Bernice was fortunate enough to travel to Alberta, BC, Ontario and to the USA. She was also a cancer survivor and had endured a bout of shingles.
Bernice passed away peacefully at her home in Yorkton on Saturday, June 14th 2025. She was 90 years of age.
Predeceased by her husband John on August 22, 2021; her parents; her in-laws, a brother in infancy; by brothers Ed and Jim; and by a sister Dorothy. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters: Geraldine (David) Chiahotny and grandchildren Joyann and John Paul, all of Hamilton, ON; Patsy of Yorkton; and Marie of Yorkton. Also two sisters, Carol & Bridget; two sisters-in-law, Joan and Marg; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and her many other relatives and friends.
