Eloise Debolt Ritchie

Eloise Debolt Ritchie passed away on Sunday, January 5th, 2014 at the age of 100 years.  Born in Darmody, SK on July 27th, 1913, she lost her mother at age 7 and was raised by her grandparents.  In 1934 she married Jack Debolt of Coderre and became an instant mother of four children followed by three more.  She started writing poetry and short stories, and was offered a job as Provincial Editor of the Times Herald in 1949.  At age 48, she went back to school to take a business course.  That led to a job at the Chamber of Commerce.  She retired from Allied Lumber in 1974 and in 1978 married Jim Ritchie.  They spent six years wintering in Texas until Jim passed away.  For 24 years she lived in High Park Towers followed by the Bentley, Oxford Place and finally Pioneer Lodge.  Mom loved bingo, dancing, reading and plastic work, but especially loved writing.  She was a long time member of Prairie Pens.  She was so pleased to enjoy the company of family and friends at her 100th birthday celebration this past summer.  Eloise was predeceased by her first husband, Jack Debolt in 1970 and Jim Ritchie in 1985; as well as her children: Dorothy (George), Slim (Marylou), Kay (Dick) and Gary (Dodie); grandson, Scott; daughter-in-law, Rose; brothers:  Allan, Bill, Dale and Rheade; and sisters, Lenore and Iris.  Eloise is survived by her son, John Raymond (Vicky) Debolt; daughters, Edna-Lynn (Doug) Nielsen and Jacki (Percy) Balon; daughter-in-law, Heather Harding; 26 grandchildren; 48 great-grandchildren and 22 great-great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by her sisters: Marjorie Baker, Karen Holtslander and Wendy Henderson; sisters-in-law, Norma Holtslander and Alma Ogden; Jim’s children: Dave, Peter, Jim Jr. and Jean; as well as a very special cousin, Mona Boyle.  A Celebration of Eloise’s Life will be held on Saturday, January 11th, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. in Moose Jaw Funeral Home with Reverend Barry Holtslander officiating.   As an expression of sympathy, donations in Eloise’s name may be made to the CNIB, 2550 Broad St., Regina, SK S4P 3Z4 or a charity of one’s choice.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Calvin Gammel, Funeral Director 306-693-4550