Barbara Schulze-Flaig

Posted May 2, 2022 | 12:34 PM by CookSFC

June 1, 1936 ~ April 30, 2022

Barbara June Schulze-Flaig (nee Fredrick) of Medicine Hat (formally of Eastend, SK), passed into the welcoming arms of her Lord and Saviour on Saturday April 30th, 2022, at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital at the age of 85 years. Barbie, as she was known to her family and friends, was the third child born to Gus and Clytie Fredrick on June 1st, 1936, in the Stone District, Sec25,TP.10, Rge.21, W3 Saskatchewan. Barbie received her education at Bone Creek and took one year of high school in Gull Lake. Barbie married Richard Schulze on Nov 10th, 1954, in the United Church in Tompkins, SK. They lived and farmed with Ritchie’s dad for a while before moving to Alberta, living in several locations before settling in Irvine in 1962. In 1969, the family moved to Boyle, AB before finally returning home to Eastend, Saskatchewan in 1974. They remained there for five years while Ritchie worked as a grain elevator agent in Eastend and surrounding communities. They moved to three more locations in southern Saskatchewan before they finally returned back to Eastend in 1983. No matter where they moved, Barbie was a wonderful homemaker and always made every house feel like home. She was a very hard worker, always up early in the morning to get her chores done. She was an excellent baker, when the children were at home, she would bake 14 loaves of bread a week and no one could get their fill of her fresh buns and cinnamon buns, especially her grandchildren. She made the best pie crust and many were fortunate to sample her tasty wares as Mom took pies everywhere for any occasion. She always had a bountiful garden and spent endless hours canning the fresh vegetables plus whatever fruit was in season and no one could make better tasting canned tomatoes. In addition to Barbie being a wife, mother and homemaker, she always found employment whether it was doing childcare or housekeeping for others, care taking the community hall, working at the post office or at the hospital as a Laundry aide only to name a few. When Barbie was 39, she took her driving test and received her drivers license. When Barbie and Ritchie moved back to Eastend in 1983, she found Employment at the Wolf Willow Lodge and proudly obtained her Special Care Aide certificate. Barbie adored all babies and small children. Nothing gave her more contentment than rocking a baby; specifically her grandbabies. She was a wonderful Gramma and loved her grandkids and then her great-grandchildren dearly. She was always keenly interested in their lives and overjoyed to see and spend time with them. Barbie was as kind and generous as she was hardworking and made many dear friends over her lifetime. She loved all pets, animals and nature, with special mention for her little dog, Buster. In 2004, after nearly fifty years of marriage, Ritchie passed away. Her family was blessed to have her to themselves. And for the next few years she spent her winters visiting with her daughters and her summers at home in Eastend beetling about with her sister and best friend, Violet. In 2010, while visiting with Wendy in Redcliff, she became reacquainted with a gentleman by the name of Elmer Flaig. After a brief courtship, they were married in June 2010. They were both very happy and enjoyed their time together camping and fishing. In 2019, Barbie had a debilitating stroke and it was at that time that she moved into her suite in an assisted living facility. Through the power of prayer and by the grace of God; to everyone’s joy and amazement, she recovered and thrived there. On March 22nd she entered the hospital to undergo a total hip replacement surgery. The surgery went well and she was in the midst of rehabilitation when her health deteriorated and she passed into eternal life surrounded by her loving family. Barbie was predeceased by her beloved parents; first husband, Richard Schulze; brother, Clarence Fredrick; sister, Violet; brother-in-law, Henry Schulze; infant son Richard Wayne Schulze as well as all of Ritchie’s brothers, sisters and their spouses. Left to celebrate her joyous homecoming, yet mourn her passing are her four children, Mike (Holly) Schulze of Medicine Hat, AB and their children, Scott (Kenzie) and Jennifer (Kyle); Wendy Schulze of Redcliff, AB; Keith (Wanda) Schulze of Moose Jaw, SK and their children, Jaime (Shaun), Cody, Jessie (Dave), Cory, Becky, Tamara and Madison; Karen Maier of Regina, SK and her children, Joel (Jen), Tanys (Brett) and Cole; husband, Elmer Flaig and his children, Terry (Linda), Lyndon (Carol), Calvin (Darlene) and Janet (Les) and their families; 17 adored great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Noah, Jake, Lewis, Eli, Tyler, Kenadi, Isiah, Zahra, Neesa, Kash, Mika, Kolyns, Ben, Henry, Blakeley and Nate; sister, Elaine (Allan) Winquist of Campbell River, BC; sister-in-law, Wanda Fredrick of Centrailia, WA as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a very special Thank you to all of the incredible Staff at River Ridge, Homecare and the Hospital, that we have encountered through Mom’s health journey. This tribute’s meant to honour you, With respect for what you’ve done. It’s likely that, throughout the years, It wasn’t always fun. Time flits by and things may change, But your love remained steadfast, And Our respect and pride in you, Are feelings that will last. Our strong memories are of caring, And nurturing love so deep, You have passed along a legacy, We treasure and will keep. A celebration of life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Friday, June 24, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. with Murray Jaster officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations to AJ’s Loan Cupboard, P.O. Box 45006, Mackenzie Drugs Postal Outlet Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A0B1; as it offers medical equipment to anyone that needs it, free of charge, for as long as they need it. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone 403-527-6455

Date : 2022-04-30
Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta