Margaret Jean Gross

GROSS: Margaret J. (Marg) nee SCOTT

November 30, 1936 – March 3, 2024

The death of Marg Gross, aged 87 years, of Watrous, SK occurred at Nokomis Health Centre, Nokomis, SK on Sunday, March 3, 2024.

Margaret was born on November 30, 1936, to Fred & Alice Scott on the family farm near Lockwood, SK. She had 3 older brothers, an older sister, followed by 1 younger brother. She attended Thornfield Country School but moved to Watrous to finish Grade 10. One more move followed to Saskatoon where she completed her hairdressing course at Marvel Hair Studio. Later she worked at Watrous Union Hospital as a nurse’s aide.

Marg married Rudy Gross on November 24, 1954, and her life as a farmer’s wife began. While living in Watrous she became the mother of 3 daughters. A move to the farm outside of Renown, SK was a welcome change for Marg, as she and Rudy were finally able to develop their farmstead together. She learned to haul grain and to drive her own combine, all the while maintaining a farmyard of beautiful flower beds full of her dad’s precious lilies, fruit trees and a large garden.

Marg wore numerous “hats” in her lifetime. Hairdressing from her home, baking for Midway Service Restaurant, and balancing the books for numerous community groups. As a member of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, she worked diligently using her gifts to serve as needed, Teaching Sunday School, bookkeeping, and even learning to play the organ.

She spent many years as a member of the Hospital and Manitou Lodge Auxiliaries, always eagerly serving and enriching the lives of seniors in the community. Marg became a surrogate daughter to many elderly men and women who had no families in the area. Marg loved to be busy and successfully juggled her commitments in town with her life on the farm.

Marg and Rudy retired to Watrous in August of 2010, and continued their life of service which included delivering Meals on Wheels. A quick “Hello, how are you?” was always Marg’s style, so delivering meals to housebound seniors was a perfect fit!

She lived for her children, her grands and great grands, always looking for opportunities to bless them. As a kind and compassionate grandma, she loved getting phone calls to get the latest “kid” news but was never shy about straightening them out if she thought it necessary.

In the last few years, we witnessed Marg’s “servant heart” breaking as dementia stole her ability to contribute to the care of others.

In January of 2024, she made her final move to the Nokomis Health Centre, where she could receive the care that could no longer be provided at home. Marg was adapting well to her new surroundings, but her stay was short as her health deteriorated. She passed away peacefully on March 3, 2024. She will be loved and forever missed!

Celebrating Marg’s life is her devoted husband of 69 years, Rudy and her children Vicki & John Thiessen, Debra & Alan Schneider, and Bernadine & Murray Patzwald. Remembered by the grandchildren she loved so much, Aaron & Lisa Thiessen, Ryley & Shelagh Thiessen, Carter's mother Lana Thiessen, Ryan Schneider & Jaime Speed, Holly MacLeod, Marina & Scott Myers, and Jordan & Alana Patzwald. As well as the great grandchildren who held a very special place in heart, Carter, Eve, Grace, Avery, Sophie, Sam and Kenzie. Also remembering with us are brother-in-law Ron (Dianne) Gross and sister-in-law Mardelle Scott.

A Memorial Service was held at Watrous Civic Centre, Watrous, SK, on Sunday, March 10, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Lois Knudson Munholland officiating. A reception for friends and family followed. Interment in Watrous Cemetery will be at a later date. Memorial Donations to Nokomis Health Centre Ladies Auxiliary would be appreciated. For online condolences, tributes or memorial donations please visit: https://fotheringham-mcdougall.com/