DEIMERT
(Barreth)
Irene Grace
December 4, 2021
We are sad to announce the passing of Irene Grace Deimert (Barreth), wife of Ralph Deimert on December 4, 2021, at the age of 94. She is survived by son
Elroy Deimert (Dania), and daughters: Harriet Raugust, Donalda Breitmeier (John) and Melody Deimert; along with 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Beulah (Garry) Sawyer, her brother Glenn (Laura) Barreth and sister-in-law Audrey Barreth. She is pre-deceased by parents Alexander Barreth and Mary (Maggie) Barreth nee Stregger, brother Allen Barreth, husband Rudolph (Ralph) Deimert and son-in-law Darryl Raugust.
Mom grew up on the farm outside of Macoun, SK, the eldest of four, where her enjoyment of softball was only matched by her love of music and her piano prowess. Their first home was more than a mile from town, so young Irene had a long walk to get to Macoun during her first 2 years in school. Her father, Alex, would drive her to school by horse and wagon on cold days.
Her early years were lived during the dirty ‘30’s and she experienced the fears of WWII, but she was able to put herself through Bible College and from 1949-1956, she travelled in the eastern United States as the piano player and harmonizer for the Harmony Gospel Singers.
She then became a teacher and Dean of Women at Hillcrest Christian College, also working at the Medicine Hat radio station occasionally even preaching.
Then Ralph, a widower with 2 children (Harriet and Elroy) came courting and won her heart. They were married on September 6, 1957. They were blessed with 2 daughters, Donalda and Melody.
Mom had to learn to cook when she got married but soon became very proficient. Her abilities were put to the test regularly having families for Sunday dinner along with the odd hitchhiker and homeless person that dad would bring home.
Ralph and Irene Deimert spent their years together as a pastoring couple, serving the Evangelical Church at 6 churches in Saskatchewan and Alberta including Hanna until they retired from the ministry in 1985. They spent the next 2 years as dorm parents at Hillcrest Christian College before fully retiring to Delia in 1987.
I remember mom most for her gentle, loving ways and for her commitment to Christ. Both she and dad would each read the Bible and pray before breakfast and then again with the whole family at the breakfast table. When I got older, I realized that by 8:15 every day we had all been prayed for at least 3 times. And perhaps that is the legacy I am most grateful for. A mom who was soft-hearted, loving, talented and praying.
From 2007 she enjoyed Sunshine Lodge, Hillview and then Hanna Continuing Care. A big thank you to all the nurses, doctors and aides who made these last years pleasant for Mom. In lieu of flowers consider donating to the Gideons, Samaritan’s Purse or a charity of your choice.
Hanna Funeral Services Ltd. has been entrusted with the care and arrangements, 403-854-5956, www.hannafuneral.ca.
