Patricia Annette Radke (nee Tompkins)
Patricia Annette Radke (nee Tompkins) passed away peacefully with family at her side, October 31, 2008. She was 71.
Patricia was born June 29, 1937 at Battle Lake. She was the eldest of four children born to Clarence (Mug) and Bertha Tompkins. She was also fortunate to have an older half brother and half sister.
Patsy, as she was called by family and friends, grew up in the Chesterwold/Sylvan Heights farming district, approximately 24 miles west of Ponoka. She initially lived on a farmstead owned by her grandfather until the family moved to a quarter section that her father developed into the family farm. She attended schools in Halfway Grove and Lakedell, completing her high school education in Wetaskiwin. Patsy furthered her education at the University of Alberta Hospital School of Nursing, Edmonton, to become a Registered Nurse.
Patsy met Harold Radke at the age of 16 when the Radke family moved into the district, a ¼ mile from the Tompkins’ farm. Pat and Harold were married on July 1, 1960. The first few summers were spent in the Peace River area where Harold worked as a gravel crusher operator and Patsy nursed at the Peace River Hospital. In the winters, they would return to Ponoka. In 1962 the decision was made to permanently call Ponoka home. They bought their first house in the sparsely developed north end of Ponoka and in 1975 the family moved to an acreage one mile east of Ponoka, on Block Road, where Harold still resides.
In 1961 a son, Allan, was born followed by a daughter, Cheryl Ann in 1965. In 1966, at the tender age of 16 months, Cheryl Ann passed away. Daughter Lori was adopted and daughter Jacqueline arrived in 1967.
In her younger years, Patsy was fond of horses and it is this background that enabled her to assist and support her husband in their passion for raising Registered Quarter Horses. She was quite athletic and played softball in the summers and curled in the winters. Patsy had an appreciation for music and was an avid gardener and voracious reader in her spare time. Patsy loved to dance and instilled this passion in her children by teaching them this fine art.
Pat led a simple uncomplicated life. Joy to her was a week or two at a local lake or a peaceful day at the farm. Over the years Pat and Harold did visit British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario, the North West United States, Michigan, Atlanta, Missouri and Australia.
Patsy supported her children in all their activities. She attended their hockey games, enrolled them in dance classes, coached them in minor ball, and endorsed their passion for extracurricular school sports. This support continued for her grandchildren as well. Patsy was active in the community as a volunteer with the United Church Women, the Lioness Club, Family and Community Support Services and the Wheelchair Van Society. She was always willing to lend a helping hand or enjoy a cup of coffee with neighbours, friends and family.
Pat began her nursing career at the Alberta Hospital Ponoka providing care on various wards. In 1976 she accepted the position of head nurse at the Medical Centre where she worked until her retirement in 2000. Throughout her career she touched the lives of many patients and families. It was her morals, dedication, confidentiality and strong work ethic that earned her respect in the health field as well as the community. In return, she admired and respected the many doctors, nurses and support staff that she worked with.
Patricia Annette Radke was pre-deceased by her daughter, Cheryl Ann, her mother and father, Bertha and Clarence (Mug) Tompkins, half brother Bob Hay and his wife Kay, half sister Gwen Edinga and her husband Andy, father-in-law and mother- in-law, Bill and Ruby Radke, sister-in-law, Lynda Radke and nephew, Jamie Radke. She leaves to mourn her devoted and loving husband of 48 years, Harold; children, Allan (Diane), Lori and Jackie (Blaine); grandchildren Sydni, Chenise and Brandt Seibel and Connor Radke; siblings, Joanne (Steve) Cymbol, Carol (Jim) Speiser, Bill (Bettyanne) Tompkins, brother-in-law, Wayne Radke and their families; numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and dearest friends.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held at the Ponoka United Church November 7, 2008 at 2:00 pm, with internment to follow at the Forest Home Cemetery. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to “Dementia Program – Centennial Centre Ponoka”.
Arrangements Entrusted To
Ponoka Funeral Home
~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~