Helen Ronald

Helen Ethel Ronald

(nee Fuller)

With family at her side, Helen Ronald entered into the presence of her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Monday, January 25, 2010, in the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 78 years.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband William, stepson Hugh, stepgrandson Glenn Ronald and parents William G. and Anna (nee Sawatsky) Fuller. Helen leaves behind her daughter Carla (Larry) Schmidt of Elm Creek; son Kelly (Cheryl) Ronald of Portage la Prairie; stepchildren Neil, Joan, Keith and Garth, nieces, nephews and their families; grandchildren Bethany (Aaron) Beauchamp, Jaclyn, Jennifer and Brian Schmidt and Nicolea and Mark Ronald; sister Betty Fuller of British Columbia, brother Bill (Hilary) Fuller of Portage la Prairie and sister Lois (Tom) Warkentin of Whiterock, BC

Mom was born on April 21, 1931 in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba; the first child to William George and Anna Fuller. She and her family attended the Portage Gospel Hall, where she accepted Christ as her personal Savior as a young teenager. She attended Central School, as well as Portage Collegiate. She furthered her education at business school learning Pitman Shorthand. Mom was no stranger to hard work she worked in the family business, Fuller's Bakery, later known as Tastee Bakery. She was also employed at Eaton's Department Store and in the accounting department at Manitoba Telephone Office. In the summer of 1958 Mom married our dad; a widower with five children. Together they moved to the farm east of Portage, where she lived until her passing. Her first child, Carla, was born in 1961, and was followed by Kelly in 1962. Everything she did was centered around her faith in Christ; raising her family and serving alongside her husband on the farm in any role that needed filling. Bill, her husband of 40 years, passed away in 1998.

Mom's days were filled with serving others. She was known as "Grandma Helen" because of her warmth and care to many. Whether it was hosting people for meals in her home, taking them out for lunch, or good conversation over tea with fine china, mom knew how to make people feel special. She also loved to cook and the arrival of her red truck filled with food was always greatly anticipated by everyone who worked on the farm. (Her apple pies helped ensure an ample harvest crew!!). Her grandchildren hold many happy memories of freezies in the tub, playing with dress up clothes, fresh blueberry muffins and cinnamon buns, trips to Winnipeg on the train and Grandma attending most of their band concerts and school plays. Mom also baked specially chosen birthday cakes for every grandchild's birthday.

Mom had a burden for those in need. She ministered to women at the Portage Correctional Institute for over 30 years and nothing brought her more joy than being able to share the Lord with others. She filled many different roles in church; being on hospitality teams, ushering and greeting, teaching Sunday School, or helping in the nursery. More recently she fell in love with the people of Cuba, making eight missions trips there to visit churches over the past six years. Her passion drove her to overcome her fears of travel; flying alone and being tracked by the Cuban military were only the beginning of her adventures. The clothes in her bag were replaced with toys for the children, earning her the name "the doll lady." We were often left wondering if she would return with anything besides the clothes on her back. She was a giving lady who loved to bring a smile to someone's face.

She enjoyed gardening and spent many hours meticulously maintaining the yard, while keeping a careful watch out for the first Johnny Jump-Ups to break the soil. She took delight in blessing others with her "first fruits" and she taught us while we were young to remember those who were in need and not to waste.

We also remember our mom as someone who faithfully prayed for us as well as many others. Only heaven will tell what catastrophes were averted and what poor choices were turned to good because she prayed for us. We will especially feel her loss on this count.

Following her trip to Cuba in March, Mom began to have some health struggles, which caused her to lose her normal vigor. In spite of these challenges, she still made time for what was important to her; sharing Christ with others and making harvest meals one last time. Her doctor, Dr. Macklem, expressed that her illness was "a reflection of her strength and her faith in God." When presented with her prognosis, Mom's calm reply was "I choose to go," when asked where, her quick reply was: "Heaven, of course," with a peaceful smile.

You have run the race and chosen well and will be missed greatly until we see you again. We love you Mom.

Funeral Service will take place in the Portage Evangelical Church, 72 3rd Street NE, on Friday, January 29 at 2:30 led by Glenn Loewen. There will be a private interment.

As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Helen's memory to Avant Ministries a�" Cuba, 2121 Henderson Hwy, Winnipeg, MB R2G 1P8 or to Sunset Palliative Care Inc., Box 92, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3B2

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel who are in care of arrangements. 857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com