Carla Mae (nee Kelley) Kristensen passed away February 13, 2012 at the age of 98 years. She was born March 9, 1913 to Esther and John Kelley. Carla's dad passed away when she was in her teens, so she helped with the work on the family farm east of Talmadge. Carla attended Wheaton School and then boarded in Fillmore where she attained her Grade 10. After marrying Jim in February of 1937 they both worked on the Porter farm north of Griffin. Mom often talked about having to cook meals for the hired hands on a wood stove on days when the temperature would get to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Nobody thought anything about it back then. They eventually moved to Weyburn with two children and rented a few different places. One of the places was the Snowdy house when it was the only house by the water tower and the hospital. They bought a lot and a building permit for 5th Avenue SE in July 1948. They lived in the basement for a couple of years until they could finish the upstairs. Mom also helped her brother Daryl with his business called Kelley's Kabins. It was located east of where Maintracks is now located. Carla helped with the Grace United Mission Band and belonged to the Lazy Daisy Unit. For years she would work in the church booth at the Weyburn Summer Fair and soon lost count of how many hamburgers she had made. For a short time she was president of the women's group in Grace United as it transferred into the United Church Women. Carla wasn't afraid to try anything on her own. She packed herself and her children into the car and set out to "retrace our roots" in the United States. Myrna was too young to drive so all of the driving was done by Mom. We visited relatives from Ocheyedan to Sioux City, Iowa. Thanks Mom for only one of our many great adventures and experiences. When Phil started go-karting, Carla rode shot gun and was the gopher, fetching tools or food and score keeping for the races. They travelled to races from Winnipeg to Vancouver, to Seattle, Washington and all racetracks in between. Mom even travelled overseas. In September 1973, Carla flew by herself to visit her daughter and son-in-law while they were posted there. For years she drove herself to visit Phil in Calgary, AB and Myrna in Shilo, MB. Carla became involved with the Soo Line Historical Museum and was a handyman of all trades there. She loved working with the quilt displays and helping with the bingos that generated revenue for the museum. In 1990 Carla received a Saskatchewan Volunteer Recognition Award for her contributions and valued service in the category of heritage - the museum. She was a great seamstress, and after fitting a pattern to her daughter, she would simply sew up the dress and send it to her. She also loved to sew clothes for her grandchildren. Even with all of her travelling, Carla still loved being at home to putter around her yard, tending flowers or putting a fresh coat of paint on the house. If there was a yard sale she would be off checking it out. Carla believed in supporting her children in all of their activities even after they had moved away from home. Carla was predeceased by her parents, John and Esther Kelley; her husband, James Kristensen (1984); sister, Lenore in infancy; brothers, Daryl and Frank and sister-in-law, Hazel Kelley. Carla will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Myrna (Gary) Lane of Shilo, MB and their children, Steven (Lorelei) and Cherlyn (Jim) Brereton; son, Phil Kristensen of Calgary, AB and his children, Stephanie, Kenneth and Joseph; great grandchildren, Braden, Cameron, Mackenzie and Jocelyn, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. We would like to thank Drs. Stewart and Fong for the care given to our mother's health. Mom very much appreciated the drivers in the Meals on Wheels program and the Home Care staff. Thank-you also to the third floor staff at the Weyburn General Hospital and Tatagwa View, House 7. We appreciate the kindness and compassion you showed to both our mother and us. Visitation was held Friday, January 17 at Fletcher Funeral Chapel. A funeral service was held Saturday, February 18 from Grace United Church, Weyburn with Reverend Cordelia Karpenko officiating. Interment at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn. Donations in memory of Carla may be made to Grace United Church or a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, 306-842-5432
