F. Reta (Thomas) Mensinger passed away peacefully on October 21, 2003 at the Vulcan Community Health Centre at the age of 87 years.
Reta was born November 30, 1915 on the family farm in the Reid Hill district east of Vulcan to Peter and May McIntyre. She was the youngest of three children born to them.
Reta finished grade nine at Prospect Slope school then boarded with friends in Calgary where she attended Crescent Heights School and Mount Royal College where she took business administration courses.
In 1935 she married Del Thomas and they moved onto her parents farm. They continued to farm until moving to Vulcan in 1968. In 1972 Del passed away suddenly. Reta continued to reside in Vulcan where she met and married Fred Mensinger in 1982. They continued their happy union until Fred passed away in 1995. Reta sold her house and moved into the Peter Dawson Lodge where she has resided since.
Although Reta’s career was primarily a homemaker, she also involved with her community, as a bus driver in the 1940’s, an enumerator for elections and census taker, and many organizations over the years, including joining the Order of the Eastern Star in 1945 where she held numerous offices. In 1955 she became Worthy Matron of the Ferrodale Chapter and has continued her involvement for the past 58 years.
Reta is survived by her loving daughter Joan (Ted) Reynolds of West Bank, B.C, a son Allan of Milk River, four grand children Ken (Wendy) Reynolds, Bob (Sue) Reynolds, Brian Thomas and Brenda Thomas, six great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Reta was predeceased by her parents, a sister Edna, a brother Ross (Mabel) McIntyre, daughter-in-law Mary Thomas, granddaughter Lois Smythe, husbands Delbert Thomas and Fred Mensinger.
Graveside service at Vulcan Cemetery Saturday October 25, 2003 at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. Henry Friesen officiating.
Casket bearers Jim Fleming, John Thomas, Ted Thomas, Bob Johnson, Terry White and Gerry Varty.
In lieu of flowers, tribute’s in Reta’s memory could be made to either the Alberta Cancer Foundation 1331- 29 St. N.W. Calgary T2N 4N2 or FCSS County Support Box 594 Vulcan T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.