Obituary of Ivy Dirks

October 8, 1967 - September 16, 2022

 

Ivy Ruth Dirks (Ratzlaff) was born on October 8, 1967, the youngest daughter to Lorne & Selma Ratzlaff. She lived her entire life in Waldheim. Attending Waldheim School and RJC. After School, she worked at Casey’s Dairy King & Diner, Dirks Family Fair and was involved in childcare. She loved athletics, especially volleyball, figure skating, and could throw a ball like a boy “Just ask her brothers”. She loved singing at school, choral and church choirs. She loved to watch hockey, especially #16 of the Waldheim Warriors.

She married her true love, Carey Dirks, on April 15, 1989. Their first son Spencer was born June 10, 1991 and was followed by their second son Austin on February 13, 1993. She loved being a mother and doted on her two boys. She was involved in the boys’ sports, cheering and always willing to lend a hand, with the youth group and teaching Sunday School at the Zoar Mennonite Church.

Her and Carey along with her sister Faith & husband Chris purchased the Waldheim Shop-Rite on October 1, 1992 and ran it successfully for 20 years. After selling the store in 2012 she began working for Menno Homes of Sask/Christian Horizons as a Direct Support Professional, a job she enjoyed very much as it allowed her to work with people she cared for, who were very special to her.

They enjoyed numerous trips to warmer climates with her sister and brother-in-law. She loved being with her family and when her grandkids came along, she was thrilled. They were the light of her life. She was a wonderful “Grandma” and she loved them each very dearly.

Her health was good until December 2020, when she was diagnosed with ALS. She struggled with this, but her smile never dimmed, and she showed us how to face adversity with courage, grace, and dignity.  She passed away peacefully on September 16, 2022, into the arms of her lord and saviour.

 

It is with grateful hearts that we say, “Thank you” for the love and care given to her by the doctors and nurses at the Rosthern Union Hospital and the staff at the Mennonite Nursing Home.

 

A Private Graveside Service

for invited guests only

will be held at Waldheim Cemetery.

 

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