Obituary of Sheena Rumberger

Sheena Rumberger was born Nancy Sheena Sawers in Wanham, Alberta, the youngest of four children born to Robert and Ann Sawers. Her childhood memories centered around the log cabin her father built for her mother and any stories about her three big brothers. She held a deep affection for the northern landscape, which she repeatedly returned to throughout her life.

Sheena began her teaching career in northern Alberta before moving to Drumheller. She settled in Stettler after meeting Bob Rumberger, whom she married and started a family with. Despite her mother and teacher responsibilities, she obtained her Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta by attending summer school. She took great pleasure in the success of her past students.

Within the Stettler community, Sheena was active and contributed in several ways. She coached softball, participated in curling, volunteered for UCW and superfluity, and canvased for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

At home, Sheena loved to paint and grow plants. She and Bob often spent their summer evenings on the back deck, caring for their flowers and listening to chuckwagon races or Roughrider football games on the radio. Rainy days found her sitting there, enjoying the sound of raindrops on the deck cover.

Retirement for Sheena meant spending more time with her grandchildren. She was actively involved in their lives, attending baseball, football, basketball, and curling games. Or watching rodeo events, dance recitals, and dramatic plays, even helping to write essays long distance.

After Bob's passing, Sheena was drawn north again and relocated to Clairmont for a few years. She reconnected with old friends and made many new ones. Time spent with her brother, sister-in-law, and their extended family was especially important to her.

In 2022, Sheena returned to Stettler to be closer to her four daughters, ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She found a new community of friends with whom she enjoyed solving puzzles, playing bridge, and organizing crib tournaments.

The deep friendships that Sheena and Bob developed over their lives had a significant impact on their family. These relationships and memories are a cherished part of their family's history.

As per Sheena’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. There will be a private family internment at the Woodland Cemetery in Botha at a later date.

Sheena was predeceased by her husband Bob; parents Robert and Ann Sawers; brother Rob Sawers and sister-in-law Margaret; brother Stan Sawers; sister-in-law Charlotte Urton; brothers-in-law Percy Coates, Dick Urton, and Don Rumberger; nephew Donny Rumberger and great niece Carmel Urton.

She is survived by her daughters Maureen (Ed) McKay, Lynn Mailer, Lori (Nick) Kaeser, and Barbara (Mike) Saroka; grandchildren Jordan (Lisa) Matthew, Lucas, Amy, Erin (Kyle), Myles, Connor/Gerry, Sawer, Anne, and Beth; great grandchildren Coy Mailer, Margot Bigney and Emma Guillioux; brother Jim and sister-in-law Ellamay; sister-in-law Jesse; sister-in-law Ollie Rumberger; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In memory of Sheena, donations can be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or the Kidney Foundation.