SIBBALD: Bertha Mabel Sibbald of Rivers, formerly of Rapid City, passed into eternal rest on Wednesday, May 26, 1999 at her residence, Riverdale Personal Care Home. Bertha was born April 30, 1921 at Muir, Manitoba to Thomas and Mabel Ansell. At an early age she moved to Rapid City with her family and took her schooling, completing grade 9. She married John Sibbald on January 3, 1944 and together they had 3 children. Bertha worked hard all her life. In the early years, she did house keeping at the Queens Hotel and worked at the Cundy and Waghorn Farms helping with indoor and outdoor farm chores. In the late 1950's the family moved down East and Bertha worked at Eaton's in Toronto until moving back to Rapid City in 1967. She then looked after a few families over the years, sometimes as a live in housekeeper. In the early 1970's, she took a nurses aide course and worked in Cornwallis Nursing Home and then at Minnedosa Personal Care Home. Bertha excelled in this field, but due to ill health, had to give up this occupation. She then put her energy into gardening, which she loved. She often baked bread and buns and sent them home with whoever might stop by. Bertha was a member of the Deborah Rebekah Lodge as well as the Hunterville UCW. Over the years she collected stuffed animals, monkeys and bears being her favorites. She was an avid fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays. Bertha cared deeply for her family in the East. She loved to take part in the Ansell Golf Tournament and was one of the highlights of her life when they held the tourney at the family farm in 1980. As her nieces and nephews often said "Aunt Bert made things happen." Bertha moved to the Legion Gardens in Rapid City in 1984 and resided there until January 1995, when she relocated to Riverdale Personal Care Home. She is survived by son, Tom (Pat) of Lancer, SK; daughters, Barb Sibbald of Rapid City, Debbie (Garth) Inglis of Rapid City; eight grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; one sister, Laura Ansell of Scarborough, ON and 3 sisters-in-law: Margaret Ansell of Penetang, ON, Dorothy Ansell of Ajax, ON and Lot Grant of Rapid City. Bertha was predeceased by her parents; husband John in 1982; and brothers Cliff, Gordon, and Dick. Funeral Service was held Monday, May 31, 1999 at Rapid City United Church with Pastor Elwood Fawcett officiating. Musical tribute "Friends" was sung by Kerri Mae and Ted Mayor accompanied by Kristen Mayor. Urn Bearers were granddaughters, Samantha Inglis and Kristy Hull. Bertha's cremated remains were interred in the family plot at Rapid City Cemetery. Donations in memory of Bertha may be sent to Riverdale Personal Care Home, Rivers, MB, R0K 1X0 or to a charity of choice.
Tribute to Nan

You are the sunrise You are the sunset
You were born into this world where you
grew, loved, laughed and lived
You have brought happiness & joy into all our lives
Leaving an imprint in our minds and in our hearts
that will last a lifetime
Your candle will always burn deep within us
And our memories of you will never go out.

Love your granddaughter - Kristy Hull Memorials
Riverdale Personal Care Home, or Charity of Choice