ERNESTINA RATTAI

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ERNESTINA RATTAI On Monday, March 23, 2004 at Meadowood Manor, Ernestina Rattai, aged 98 years, widow of Phillip Rattai, went to be with the Lord. Mrs. Rattai was born on August 24, 1905 in Volynia, Russia and came to Canada with her parents in 1912. They settled in Beausejour, but later moved to Moosehorn. She was married to Phillip Rattai on November 23, 1922 by Rev. Frank Small. They farmed near Beausejour from 1922 to 1944 and in the Dugald area from 1944 to 1951. Mrs. Rattai was always a major participant at her husbands side in all the hard farm work. In the absence of her husband as he did custom threshing during the fall and worked in the forest industry in the winter, she conscientiously and with care took over the spiritual and priestly responsibilities. She was indeed an incredible woman of physical strength and courage but also of faith and unwavering commitment. Certainly her children rise up and call her blessed. They retired from farming in 1951 when her husband with his sons went into the construction business. She loved gardening and many marvelled at her beautiful flowers and productive garden produce. Mrs. Rattai was predeceased by her husband of 48 years Phillip in 1970; son Harold and grandson Harold Jr. in an aircraft accident in 1983; grandson Ken Rist in an accident in 2001. She leaves to mourn and remember her four sons, Edward (Elsie) of Edmonton, Gordon of Vancouver, Henry (Elfreda) and Herman (Jeanette) of Winnipeg; two daughters, Dorothy Kokot and Agnes (Seno) Rist of Winnipeg; 20 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; sister Helen DeJong of Vancouver; many friends and relatives. Mrs. Rattai accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Saviour as a teenager and was faithful to Him and His Church all her life. She was the last surviving charter member of Immanuel Pentecostal Church of Winnipeg for 70 years. Viewing 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Monday, March 29 at Immanuel Pentecostal Church, 955 Wilkes Ave. Funeral service 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 30 at Immanuel Pentecostal Church with Rev. E. Buss officiating. Interment St. Vital Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to two orphanages, one in Brazil Home of the Good Shepherd and the other in Africa Stahre Home. A very special thanks to Chaplain Rev. Edward Hamm for the devoted and exceptional care. Also most sincere thanks and appreciation to so many of the staff at Meadowood Manor for the care and comfort extended to Mrs. Rattai and the family. BARDAL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM 843 Sherbrook Street, 774-7474 Condolences: www.bardalfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 27, 2004