Helen Ketler passed away peacefully Nov. 16, 2003 at the Extended Care Unit of Chilliwack General Hospital, where she had resided for the past 3 years. Her family is extremely grateful for the kind and loving care she received there during her final years.
Helen is survived by her three sons, Ron (Janis), Marv (Debbie) and Stephen (Susan); grandchildren; Willie, Michael and Matthew; Angela, Lisa and Jeff; Ryan and Eric; brothers, Pete (Iris), Walt (Meg), Vic and Verne; sisters-in-law, Cathie and Pat. She was also Aunty Helen to numerous nieces and nephews. She is also fondly remembered by brothers-in-law Henry (Doris), Jac (Connie) and sisters-in-law, Agnes and Melinda. She was predeceased by her loving husband Bill, her brothers Henry and Alvin and her sister-in-law Marilyn.
Helen was born in Orlowa, Russia, March 17, 1923 to Henry and Katharina Penner. She was the only daughter and second oldest child which would include six boys. In 1925 she, along with her older brother Pete and younger brother Henry, accompanied her parents on the long voyage to Canada. They eventually settled in Gem, Alberta where the family grew to include brothers, Alvin, Walter, Vic and Verne. It was here in 1938 that she met the man she would spend 55 years with; but would have to wait until he returned from overseas to marry in 1946. Bill and Helen were pleased when their son, Ron, was born in 1948; followed by Marvin in 1951 and Stephen in 1966. Helen loved her family very much and enjoyed family vacations every year, working in the garden, cooking, baking, sewing and doing crossword puzzles.
She attended Chilliwack United Church, and in younger years, volunteered teaching Sunday School. In their retirement years, Bill and Helen traveled to the Far East, Europe, Eastern Canada and Hawaii.
Helen was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, grandmother and sister. You could always count on her for a wonderful home cooked meal, and on Saturdays this would include her delicious homemade buns.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Chapel of Henderson’s Funeral Home on Friday, November 21, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Doug Ireland officiating. Interment in Chilliwack Cemeteries.
She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.