Florence Ness

Graveside Service

Friday, May 8th

11:30 a.m.

Naicam Cemetery

Florence Bethel (Cisna) Ness was born at home on April 9, 1919, in Gronlid, Sask. (known then as the Ratner District), to SeLyle and Della Cisna. She was one of 10 children: Bruce, Major, Blanche, Esther, Avis, Arthur, Florence, Beatrice, Georgine and Cecil.Florence went to Taelman School and sat in a two-seater desk. She liked to play marbles and ball at recess, and enjoyed skipping, and sliding down the hill in the winter.Florence worked on the farm, milking cows, feeding chickens and pigs, gathering eggs, cleaning the barn, turning the separator, mixing the bread, churning butter, splitting and carrying wood, and filling the water barrel with snow. While going to school Florence also worked on a farm for $12 a month to get books for high school. She got up at 4 a.m. to milk cows and then weigh the milk, which had to be done before breakfast.The opportunity came for Florence to go to Teachers' College in Saskatoon. Many of the men had gone to war, so there was a shortage of teachers. From there she moved to Horseshoe Bend, north of Kinistino, to a small teacherage with no running water or electricity and, of course, the outdoor toilet. In the mornings the pail of water and even the tea kettle on the stove was frozen over. Florence made $90 a month. She bought War Bonds and signed them over to her brother, who had paid for her to go to Teachers' College. It was at a dance in Horseshoe Bend that Florence met Martin Ness, whom she later married.Florence went on to work at many jobs, retiring as Spalding Postmistress when she turned 65. She then had time to fish and garden, quilt and knit, travel and visit family and friends.Florence remained living in Naicam, moving into Churchview Lodge where she reconnected with old friends and enjoyed social activities. When her health became poor she moved back into her home, managing well with help from her daughter, a caregiver and home care staff. In June 2012, Florence thought it would be best to move into an assisted living home in Melfort.Florence never complained of or dwelt on hard times. Taken from her journal is the following: Be patient with the faults of others. There is some good in everyone. When you are down, think of all we have: sunny days, green grass, beautiful flowers, lakes and rivers, lots to eat and drink, comfortable beds, good friends, freedom from war and starvation. Don't worry about the past; you have a lot of future to enjoy. Always visit your relatives and your friends, as time passes too quickly.Florence and Martin's four children are: Larry (Lois), Sherri (Len), Riley (Emily), Madelyn, Sarah and Jarred; Robert (Monique), Jordon, Jayme, Garrett, Taylor; Paula and son Lucas; Cheryl (Jake), Michelle (Chris), Alyssa, Hannah, Solomon, Naomi, Gibson; Lisa (Brian), Abram, Pious, Isolde, Lettice; Trevor (Charmaine), Nola, Milo; Tom (Kay), Shawna (Tony), Jacob, Solomon; Chad (Erika), Brittany (Ethan); Aurel (Denny), Kristine (Todd), Shana; Kara (Cory), Liam (and Baby Ruby); Charity (Sean), Cohen, Crosbie; and Bart.