Obituary of Arla Carol Soderberg

Arla Carol Geddes Soderberg Was born January 25th 1924 in Dodsland,Saskatchewan the third child and only daughter to William and Anna Geddes. She had two brothers Walter and Howard. She went to school in Dodsland. Her dad ran a Garage there until the family moved to Wilkie where he ran the machine shop. Arla had an early interest in nursing and worked in the Wilkie Hospital. She started her training at the Grey Nuns (St. Pauls) hospital in Saskatoon. She later moved on to the Sask Hospital in North Battleford and completed her three years of training as a Registered Pscyhriatric Nurse on October 1 ,1951. She worked at the San in Saskatoon with TB patients for awhile. It was while she was training in North Battleford that she met the love of her life Ben. His sister Frieda was training there as well, so we can assume Frieda was instrumental in initiating their courtship. In early 1952 Arla and Frieda hitchhiked to Vernon to work in the hospital there. It is hard to imagine two young women hitchhiking halfway across the country by themselves. We are all pretty sure that none of us would do it now. Although I think a couple of the grandchildren have the wandering bug in them. She returned to Saskatchewan to marry her sweetheart Ben on November 28, 1952. They were married in Saskatoon with Frieda Soderberg and Jack Brown as their wedding party. Jack was actually too young to stand up for them so dad said they were never legally married. She was a town girl who became a versatile farm wife. She hauled grain, shoveling it off by hand, stooked, milked cows, fed chickens and did everything that was needed. Their son William Ivor was born in November of 1953, followed by two daughters Wendy Dianne in August of 1955 and Sandra Jean in March 1959. Arla was a 4-H leader in the Glenbush Homecraft for several years. She enjoyed bonspieling with Louise Haubold, Marjorie Newman, Thelma Bauer and several others. Arla and Marlene Martens were instrumental in starting homecare in our area. She was called upon to help out in medical situations and when accidents occurred in the area. She was an active member in MADRA and the senior citizens group. She resumed her nursing career working at the Rabbit Lake hospital in the fall of 1973. She had many enjoyable times working with Doreen, Marg, Margi, Norma, Caroline, Ann, Jean and many others. She and Doreen had some wild rides on the winter backroads. She retired in the early 1980’s. In 1979 the first grandchild arrived, 4 boys and 3 girls to enlighten their life. She enjoyed all her grandchildren to the fullest and was even more entertained by the arrival of 4 great grandsons and 1 great granddaughter. Her eyes lit up whenever they walked around the corner of the sunnyside room. A big deal for the grandkids was growing taller than grandma and her having peppermints for us to. She was the grand kid’s best nurse when sick or hurt and she cooked the best suppers after cattle drives. The boys were treated a little different when it came to treating cuts and bruises, iodine was used a couple times, and even though Wendy & Sandra don’t think it was…. it was!!!! Car rides to the Glenbush Post office for suckers in the old blue car was always a fun short trip. Arla was always a stellar card player, even when she didn’t mean to be. She either had a five in her hand when playing crib or an ace in 7up 7down. She really should have been a poker player, if you ask any of us. No one made peanut butter toast like grandma, according to Mitch. Arla was always there for her family when they needed her and gave tough love when needed too!!! Darren recalls a few years ago when he visiting with Grandma that she talked about Grandpa and the cucumbers he grew, he didn’t stop watering them until the frost came so there was a lot of them. She said he can grow them and he can pick them but he sure as hell doesn’t pickle them! Many memorable trips were taken with their friends from the community to many places. Branson Missouri, Alaska, Churchill, PEI, California and Victoria. She taught us the value of family, hard work, commitment and getting by without all the fancy things in life. Mom and dad scraped by in the early years but were able to enjoy the luxury of traveling to visit family and friends and many places in their retirement. Ben passed away in November of 2004,it was big change for Arla after 52 years of marriage. In the later years they had done everything together so it was a difficult time. She continued to spoil Darren and Bill with cookies and coffee every day until she moved into Medstead. It was not uncommon to see her and Darren playing crib. She enjoyed the family gatherings when we all played cards and games. She moved into Battleford in 2009 to Shelby Care Home. Thanks to Esther and her staff for the great care you gave. Arla spent the last couple of years at Battleford’s District Care Ward 5. We are very thankful for the compassionate and excellent care she received while she was there. She passed away peacefully with family by her side on August 22. Arla is lovingly remembered by: Her children: William (Barbara) Soderberg , Wendy (Peter) Pauls, Sandra (Kelly) Schneider, her grandchildren: Darren (Jodi) Soderberg, Lori Soderberg, Garry (Laurel) Pauls, Richard (Michelle) Pauls and children:Luke, Jack and Claire, Janice Pauls (Michael Chapman), Kristine (Michael) Raess and children: Corsin and Silvan, Mitchell Schneider, a special granddaughter, Mette (Martin) and children,Laerke and Laura Thomassen , her sister-in-law, Ellen Appleyard, numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She is predeceased by: Her husband, Ben Soderberg, Her parents, William and Anna Geddes, Her parents-in-law, Ivor and Anna Soderberg, Her brothers, Walter (Jean) and Howard (Verna) Geddes, Her brother-in-law, Ken Appleyard, Her siblings-in-law, Frieda (Bud) Thistlewaite and Agnes (Harry) Lightburn. A Funeral Service was held Thursday, August 27th, 2015, from the Community Hall, Medstead, Saskatchewan. Memorial Donations in Arla’s memory may be directed to Battlefords District Care Ward 5 or to a Charity Choice of the Donor. Family and friends wishing to send private online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to Lori Saam of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Spiritwood, SK