Melanie Ann Ward

Melanie was predeceased by her parents, Cyril and Genevieve Collins; her sister Charlotte Collins; In-laws, Cressie and Winnie Ward; sister and brother in-laws: Marlene and Roy Sjostrand, Verner Emde, Larry Erick; nieces: Teena Collins, Lana King and Janice Fefchak.

Melanie leaves to mourn her loving husband Blaine; her children: Farron (Darcie) Ward and family [Jaxon and Burke], Wendy Ward (Les Schlamp) and family [Keaton, Kreston and Ashley (Kirk) Olver [Emmett, Freya and Alora] Jennifer (Henry) Benning; siblings: Lyle (Karen) Collins, Brian Collins, Donna (Wayne) Lillejord and Greg (Arliss) Collins; sisters and brother in-law: Sharron Emde, Lois Erick, Verla (Don) Baillie as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Melanie was born November 10th, 1949, grew up and went to school in Goodwater, SK. Growing up she enjoyed playing ball and this has been reborn again later in life with the annual family baseball game. 

Melanie and Blaine were married December 4th, 1971 and moved to the family farm in 1975 where they continued to work side by side.  She was a hard worker both in the fields and in the home. It didn’t matter if she had been working in the field all day, there was a hot meal waiting at supper and it was often for many.  The door was always open and there was never a shortage of food.  She loved the farm life, her garden and flowers. 

Family was everything to Melanie.  Each child was special, and her grandchildren were her pride and joy.  She loved their visits, attending all their activities and was their biggest fan. Melanie loved to dance and spent many, many hours at polka fests and dance club dances.  She and Blaine visited Nashville several times with friends and made new lifelong friends. 

Faith was a very important private part of Melanie’s life.  She was active in her church community and worked silently behind the scenes to make the many fowl and beef suppers a success. 

Faith – Family – Farming were her watchwords to live by.  Plant Seeds of Love – Harvest a Legacy.

A Prayer Service was held on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. from RD Family Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, SK.  A Funeral Service for Melanie was held on Monday, June 3, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. from Zion Lutheran Church, Weyburn, SK with The Venerable Catherine Harper officiating. Honorary pallbearers were: Kassidy Fellner, Chelsey Wall, Devin Collins and Chris Lillejord. Pallbearers were Chris Baillie, Curtis Baillie, Shawn Erick, Jordan Martinson, Laird Sjostrand and Lance Sjostrand. A luncheon  followed at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall, Weyburn, SK. Interment followed at Colgate Cemetery, Colgate, SK.  

For family and friends so wishing, charitable donations in memory of Melanie may be made to STARS Air Ambulance, 2640 Airport Road, Regina, SK, S4W 1A6. 

For those wishing to attend virtually, please follow the live stream video by opening Melanie’s memorial page on RD Family Funeral Chapel’s website starting at 12:45 p.m. on Monday, June 3, 2024.