Ethel Larkins

On Sunday, October 25th, 2020, Ethel Larkins peacefully passed away at Lions Prairie Manor. She lived her life to the fullest for the past 93 years.

Left to cherish her memories are her children David (Dianne) of Saskatoon, Kenneth of Winnipeg, Ronald of Portage, Robert (Carol) of Portage, Donna (Kevin) of Portage, Valerie of Portage, Debbie (Ron) of Delta, Alice (Garry) of Portage, Heather (Drew) of Portage, Norma (Albert) of Sandy Bay, Marjorie (Cam) of Portage, Keith (Debbie) of Consort, AB and Brenda (Donny) of High Bluff, son-in-law Charlie Hollohan, as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, she will also be missed by Evelyn Higgens, extended family and friends.

Ethel was predeceased by her parents Harry and Mildred Brook, husband Donald, daughter Linda Hollohan (Flynn), son Bryan Larkins, sons-in-law Kenneth Orr and Bill Flynn, daughters-in-law Audrey Larkins and Eileen Larkins.

Ethel was born on February 20th, 1927 in Portage la Prairie. She was raised on her family farm North of Portage along the Portage Creek. Ethel attended Portage Creek School for grades 1-9, and took grade 10 by correspondence. She was an avid baseball and football player. She was also the first women to join a 4-H Beef Club, as her family raised sheep and cattle.

On September 18th, 1944 she married Donald Larkins, together they raised 15 children. They went a couple trips to England to visit Donald’s family, Niagara Falls for a late honey moon, several trips to British Columbia, Woodstock and fishing trips to The Pas with family.

Ethel worked at the Portage Indian Residental School, MDC, Lions Prairie Manor, Agassiz Youth Centre, and Camp Totogan as a cook. She also sold Avon and Tupperware. With all her spare time raising her kids she even found time to volunteer as a 4-H leader for the Oakland Variety Club.

Ethel enjoyed spending time with her family, one of her favourite annual events was the Portage Ex. She enjoyed watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren show their cattle, at their 4-H achievements. She loved hosting all the holiday meals at the farm and playing cards after the meal was finished. Playing Bingo on Saturday evenings, watching game shows, listening to CFRY, watching the birds out her windows and being part of the UCW were also some of her many hobbies. She was an avid baker, and always had a sweet treat beside her, which has passed on through the generations.

Ethel spent the last year of her life at the Lions Prairie Manor. Here she enjoyed doing puzzles, playing bingo, getting her nails done and playing crib.

The family would like to thank the staff on Walker Road for their care, and a special nurse’s aide Kim. After Covid 19 hit she was the inside angel who kept Grandma going while other family members couldn’t visit.

A private family service will be held at Hillside Cemetery.

If friends so desire donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com