January 1, 1936 – April 9, 2020
at the age of 84 years
Gert passed away peacefully at the age of 84 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She leaves behind many loving family members and friends, including husband Wayne, son Doug (Sharon), daughter Cheryl (Saara), and grandchildren Ryan (Mikayla), Victoria (Luke, and son Everett) and Zac (Brianna and son Oliver), as well as siblings Wally (Alice), David (Maryann), Arnold (Phyllis) and Val (Mike) and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Gert, born in Drumheller, AB, was the oldest child of Peter and Louise Schellenberg. Raised in Kindersley, SK in a Mennonite farming family, she attended Caronport Bible College after high school where she met her future husband, Wayne Scramstad. Married in 1958, the young couple settled in Saskatoon, with their family growing with the addition of two children, Doug, then Cheryl. In spring 1974, the family decided it had had enough of the bone chilling Prairie winters and they moved to Salmon Arm, BC.
Those of us who were blessed by knowing Gert remember her as a devoted woman of faith, a frequent volunteer at the Broadview Church, a tireless baker of bread, pies, bars and cookies, a hard working gardener, a shrewd scrabble player, a tender hearted cat lover, and most importantly a loving wife, devoted mother, and a caring sister, aunt and friend.
Thank you to the staff of the Piccadilly Care Centre of Salmon Arm, BC for the nearly 7 years of dedicated care you provided to Gert, once her declining health made it impossible for Wayne to continue to care for Gert on his own in their home.
In light of the COVID 19 pandemic, a gathering in celebration of Gert’s life will not be possible at this time.
In lieu of flowers, should you wish, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C.
I am so sorry to hear of Gert’s passing. She was such a wonderful day care “mama” for my children in the ‘80’s. I remember her great laugh, friendliness, fabulous baking, organizational skills, the huge puzzles she tackled… My thoughts are with you, Wayne, Doug, Cheryl And families.
We all have fond memories of Gert from living next door to the Scramstad’s in Salmon Arm. My Mom and Gert were very good friends. Our condolences to Wayne, Doug and Cheryl.
I’ll always remember Gert during summers at Fraser’s Beach. The amazing fuschia plant hanging off the front of the trailer, the cat wandering around. We had many good times gathered around campfires.
Our prayers are with you, Wayne and family. We have fond memories of Gert over the years. Do take care.
May the fond memories of Gert bring you comfort and peace at this time