July 17, 1934 to November 28, 2024

Doreen was born in Wilkie, Saskatchewan to parents Russel and Margaret Krake and raised in Ruddell, Saskatchewan. Her parents farmed through the dirty 30’s when life was full of many hardships and many joys. She was the eldest sister to Margy North Battleford, Roy (Arlene) of Okotoks, Mary (George) of Paradise Hill, Eugene (Goldie) of Oyama, and Russell (Aldean) of North Battleford/Cutknife. She was the big sister who would take care of the younger siblings, drive them to school by horse and buggy in the warm months and then cutter in the winter. Family was very important and even though the families eventually lived apart across Western Canada, they always made a point to come home to their parent’s (Russel and eventually step-mom Nora) at Christmas and for summer reunions to enjoy the comradeship and crib battles. A full house was always a joy for the brothers, sisters and cousins.

Doreen met Keith Griffith when she worked at Fishers Drug Store in North Battleford and soon knew they were destined for a life of 60+ years together. She accepted Christ as her Savior and joined Keith and the Baptist life as he began his long love of cars and autobody. They tried their hand in North Battleford and Winnipeg, but eventually settled in Meadow Lake, SK where they raised their three daughters: Karen, Val and Penny. In the early 70’s they bought a cabin at Jeannette Lake close to the Bethel Gospel camp where she worked endless hours instilling the love of Jesus in her family and so many other children that came to know her as the camp cook. Together Doreen and Keith owned many businesses; notably, a body shop, laundromat and carwash, corn patch, and residential contracting. She was a strong devoted Christian and Missionary Alliance Women member, bowler, curler, and choir singer. While raising her daughters, she created a seamless homelife experience and enjoyed running the three girls to their many activities and school outings.

The family of five enjoyed winter holidays, including a surprise trip to Florida to see Mickey and the gang. In time, as the children grew up and went their own ways, vacations were spent in Arizona, Hawaii, and Mexico. Most dearest to the heart of the family were trips to the fishing camp in their Cessna 185 airplane where they enjoyed the Northern Saskatchewan landscape and the best fishing around. Doreen spoke fondly and often of a special trip her and her husband took to the Artic trip, which was filled with excitement and a most memorable flight.

Their travel also included international voyages to the USA and Germany while promoting hotels for a friend.

As empty nesters, Doreen and Keith settled in Metinota, Saskatchewan at Keith’s parent’s homestead. They spend several years working as market gardeners. When Keith passed in 2017, Doreen returned to North Battleford to enjoy a new kind of empty nest. She thrived by frequent visits with friends and family, playing cards, baking, reading and watching curling. Life was quiet but it was not short on love.
Doreen was predeceased by her husband Keith and his parents Charlie (CB) and Antonia; sisters Ruth and Bernie and brother Evans, her parents Margaret, Russel, Step mom Nora, her youngest sister Margy and her dearest friend Sister Mary and brother in law George.

She is mourned by her in-laws Gil and Audrey and family, Grace and family as well as the nieces and nephews that have been very special to her.

Her family wants to honor her expertise as a mother, grandma and grandmother. She never missed a birthday, a chance to buy a present for one of the kids, or make a phone call for a personal celebration. It is in their hearts of all of her loved ones that they were extremely lucky to have her unwavering love and participation in all of their lives. She loved when everyone would get together and when she was surrounded by the family she loved and adored. From the family: 
“We were the lucky ones to have her with us into her 90th year.”

LOVED and always remembered by her family.

Daughter Karen and Rick Crouse; Carol and Justus Voss; Tyler, Kady and Aidan, Wendy and Rob King; Meghan and Ben, Erin and Kevin Hallett; Emmah and Brooke.
Daughter Val and Randy Songer; Amy and Blaine O’Neil, Logan and Olivia, Stacy and Burton Groenewegen; Aiva, Maicy and Adley, Steve and Duana Songer; Mavric and Daxton, Jocelyn and Travis Neufeld; Londyn, Aspen and Maddox
Daughter Penny Griffith; Melani Dziki and Francois Bouchard, Charlie and Max, Chris and Kate Dziki.

A time of remembrance and celebration of her life will be held June 7 at 10:30 am at the Meadow Lake Alliance Church with James Witherow officiating. Lunch to follow service in the church Gymnasium. Interment will be at a later date at the Metinota Cemetery. The family thanks all of you for the support and love during this time.

Condolences To The Family Can Be Sent To www.jethomasfuneralhome.com

J.E. Thomas Funeral Home and Crematorium Ltd. of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan have been entrusted with the arrangements (306) 236-5501

• Date : 2024-11-28