Obituary of Shirlie Rusch

Shirlie Mildred (née Closson) Rusch

August 30, 1921 – December 11, 2021

It is with heavy hearts the family of Shirlie Mildred Rusch announces her passing on Saturday, December 11, 2021.

Mom was born August 30^th, 1921, the oldest of seven children born to Grant and Velma Closson.  They lived near Kenaston, moved to Nora and then to a farm outside of Clair, Saskatchewan. This is where she met, then in 1940, married Edward Jacob Rusch.  There were nine children born of that union, seven girls and two boys.  She lived in Clair, Wadena, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Pilot Mound and finally in Brandon, Manitoba.

Mom was a woman ahead of her time and so smart.  She had a passion for learning and trying new things.  She was an avid reader, a great whistler, and an amazing storyteller.  She loved music, dancing, singing and a good adventure.  She worked hard and took pride in raising her family. She was a wonderful mother who sacrificed much for her children.  Mom began her working career at the age of 46 as her youngest was now in school. She worked at the Wadena Library, the Wadena Co-op and finally, after achieving her administration degree by correspondence, at the Wadena Town Office.  She retired from there at the age of 65.

She was a social butterfly who made friends easily in every aspect of her life. She touched the hearts of everyone who was lucky enough to cross her path.  She will be greatly missed by so many.

Mom was predeceased by her husband Edward Rusch, her parents Grant and Velma Closson, three brothers Clifford, Alvin, and Gerry Closson, two grandsons Michael Kalynuik and Eddie Smith Jr. and son-in-law Eddie Smith.

She is survived by her nine children: Joy (John) Kalynuik, Margaret (Eugene) Desrochers, Janie Smith, Myrna (Jim) Haslen, Marcella (Jack) McKinnon, Elaine (Gary) Boechler, Rusty (Beth) Rusch, Dena (Jack) Avery, Riley (Kim) Rusch; her siblings: Dean Closson, Joyce Eskelson and Arlene (Bill) Brice and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great children, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Shirlie’s Life will be held at a later date.