Obituary of Merle Coates

In Loving Memory Of Merle Coates

Merle Christine Griffeth was born on May 7, 1921 in Yorkton, SK. Interestingly she was delivered by Dr Patrick, who was her uncle. He was married to her dad’s sister (Marrion Griffeth).

Granny loved learning and attended Sunder and School, completing part of her grade 11 through correspondence. She was raised on the farm and developed a passion for horses and enjoyed being surrounded by animals. Sports were also very special to her, and she loved playing ball with the Rosebud Thorns in the 30's. She spent many hours at her grandparents home (Peter and Christina Ottmann). This is where she formed her childhood bond with her cousins Madeline, Amy and Doris. In future years, she spent many hours with her cousin Herb working on the Ottmann family records for local history books.

In 1946, Granny moved to Wadena, where she worked at Forbes Pharmacy for over six years. In 1952, she married Teddy Coates in Saskatoon. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Ontario for two years before returning to Saskatchewan to take over the family farm. For the next 40 years, they spent their lives together, raising their 2 children, Randy and Florence, and farmed until retirement; renting out their land to Sketulniks and later to Tommy Mottram. Free from the demands of farming, they were able to travel, curl, fish, attend the local sports days, nearby rodeos, and numerous card parties with neighbours. Granny and Teddy remained at Rosebud until his death in 1993, after which she returned to Wadena and lived there until her passing.

Throughout her life, Granny was actively involved in various community groups such as the Legion Ladies Auxiliary, Order of the Eastern Star, Wadena Curling Club, Wadena Wheeler, Wadena Seniors, and the Lutheran Church. She treasured the friendships she made in these groups.

Granny was passionate about curling, she was in her 80's when she won the Wadena Ladies Spiel, curling with Marcy, Carmen and Florence. As well, she still curled a game or 2 while she was in her 90's. Later she became a dedicated spectator, and was able to name most of the Canadian Ladies curling teams and where they were from. She really loved the Rachel Homan team, she just wished Rachel would smile a bit more.

Granny truly enjoyed country music and this kept her deeply invested in all the award shows, when she was unable to attend, you better believe she was watching and recording on a VHS. Granny’s house had more VHS home recorded tapes than we knew what to do with. Reba McEntire was the gold standard to which we compare all music to, Michelle Wright was a distant second and meeting both of these artists was a dream come true for Granny.

Granny’s greatest joy was her family. She loved being involved in her grandchildren’s lives, attending their events, and watching them grow. Whenever you needed Granny, she was there offering a helpful hand with her gentle nature. She lived a long, beautiful life with cherished moments and treasured friendships, quietly impacting the lives of those she loved. Whether through her community involvement or her dedication to her family, Granny’s life was a silent testament to kindness and resilience.

Granny was predeceased by Teddy, her husband of 42 years; her parents Edgar and Wilhelmine Griffeth; her brother Pat Griffeth; numerous in-laws, cousins and all of her lifelong friends.

Granny leaves behind to mourn:  Florence Christianson (Earl); Carmen Sowa (Stu), Halle, Dalen, Brant; Marcy Comfort (Scott), Kade, Jae; Liza MacNeil, Jody Christianson (Robyn), Mason, Logan; Randy Coates (Melinda); Kristen Love (Steve), Vivian, James; Shayne Coates (Francine), Wyatt.

Funeral Service

10:00 a.m. Monday, March 3, 2025

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

Wadena, SK

Those wishing to send cards of caring & sympathy

may send them to

The Family Of Merle Coates

P.O. Box 1096

Wadena, SK S0A 4J0

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Merle

may be made to

Weneeda Park Lodge

P.O. Box 310

Wadena, SK S0A 4J0