Erie Ruth Champion

Erie Ruth Champion, aged 95 years of Moose Jaw and formerly of Riverhurst and Pasqua, Saskatchewan, passed away on Saturday, December 21st, 2013.  The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 3rd, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home.  Reverend Doug Hallman will officiate and a private family interment will take place at Sunset Cemetery.  Erie was born January 28th, 1918 on the farm near Riverhurst, SK and attended Maple Bush School.  After completing grade 10 she worked in Edmonton for a short time before moving to Moose Jaw.  She married Lawrence Champion in 1944 where they worked hand-in-hand to build one of the best dairy herds in Saskatchewan.  They retired in 1977 and moved to Riverhurst in 1980, where they enjoyed 22 years before returning to Moose Jaw.  In addition to supporting Lawrence as a 4-H Leader and his other community work, she was a hard worker for the Pasqua Community Club, Moose Jaw Ladies Orange Benevolent Association, Riverhurst 50+ Club and enjoyed many years of square and round dancing with Buttons & Bows and other clubs.  Erie was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Jessie South; husband, Lawrence; brothers and sisters-in-law: Ken and Lil, Russell and Lee, and Lorne and Joyce; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Leo and Gertie Aitkin, Cecil and Doreen Champion, Jim Morris, Marjorie Champion, Jack and Ethel Champion, and Jim Gill.  Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Roy (Marie) Champion and Bruce (Shelley) Champion; grandsons, Ken (Carollee) Champion and Jason Champion; great-grandsons: Evan, Sebastian and Xander; brother-in-law, Walter Champion; sisters-in-law: Mildred Morris, Estella Gill (special friend Bill Seman) and Donna Champion.  Flowers are gratefully declined.  As an expression of sympathy, donations in Erie’s name may be made to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, 455 Fairford St E, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 1H3.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Todd Sjoberg, Funeral Director 306-693-4550.