Eleanor "Ellie" Evelyn Ruth (Bittner) Spokes

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, nana, aunt, sister-in-law, cousin and friend Eleanor Spokes – more commonly known as Ellie – on July 25, 2024 at the age of 78. 

Eleanor Evelyn Ruth Spokes (nee Bittner) was born on June 1, 1946 at Queen Victoria Hospital in Yorkton, SK to August and Florence Bittner.  She was little sister to the late Bob Bittner.  Ellie grew up on the family dairy farm just south of Yorkton.  She did her schooling in Yorkton and when she graduated high school she entered the work force as a stenographer.  After a few years, she decided she wanted to become a nurse.  Ellie moved to Saskatoon, SK to take her nursing courses.  When she graduated from nursing school she moved back home to Yorkton and started her career as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Yorkton Union Hospital. 

Around this time Ellie met a young man from Ebenezer, Vernon Wegner.  Vern and Ellie fell in love and were married April 2, 1966.  Together Vern and Ellie had one son who passed away in infancy.  Vern and Ellie’s relationship hit rough times and they divorced in November of 1972. 

Ellie got a second chance at love when she met another young man, Roy Spokes.  Ellie and Roy married February 7, 1975.  In September of 1975, they welcomed their daughter, Deanna Eleanor into the world.  In May of 1977 they welcomed their son, Dion Roy into the family.  Ellie continued to work and together with Roy and raised their family.  After a few years Roy and Ellie separated and Ellie and the kids moved to Regina, SK for a fresh start.  After some time Ellie and Roy rekindled their romance and Ellie and the kids moved to Dalmeny, SK with Roy.  After a while, Roy and Ellie decided to separate again.  Ellie and the kids moved back to Yorkton.  Roy and Ellie divorced in 1988. 

Ellie was a strong woman and was very protective of her children.   Ellie raised her children as a single parent with help from her parents.  Ellie took a position as a nurse again at the Yorkton union Hospital.  When Ellie was working, the kids were at the family farm with their grandparents.  This brought Ellie great comfort as she knew her children were safe.  Ellie never remarried.

Ellie always tried to do her best for her kids.  Ellie was a hard worker and had a very loving and caring heart.  She excelled in her career as a nurse and even ended up going back to school to become a Licenced Practical Nurse.  She was always there to lend a helping hand when needed. In her spare time she enjoyed to knit, crochet, read and spend time with her family and friends.  Ellie made beautiful sweaters and blankets. 

Ellie was excited with the births of her grandchildren.  Ellie said she wanted to be called Nana because she was too young to be called Grandma when her first grandchild Marek was born in 2001, Tessa was born in 2002 and her last grandchild Emma was born in 2007.  Ellie retried from nursing in-between Tessa and Emma being born.  Her grandchildren were the lights of her life.  She loved spending time with her grandchildren and was very proud of all three of them.  Ellie would go to all the grandchildren’s events. 

In her retirement Ellie enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, played games on her computer and enjoyed reading.  She could no longer knit or crochet after carpel tunnel surgery on both of her wrists. Ellie lived in her own home until 2021 where she moved into assisted living in Canora.  When Ellie was diagnosed with cancer in 2022 she moved in the Yorkton & District Nursing home in Wallace House as she needed 24 hour nursing care. 

Ellie leaves to mourn her passing; daughter Deanna (Lincoln), Marek, Emma; son Dion (Catherine), Tessa (Ashden); sister-in-law Gerogina; nieces Tracy (Shane, Trina (Jared), Gabriel, Grace; numerous cousins and friends.

Ellie was predeceased by her grandparents, parents, brother, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

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