Dorothy May Tindall

Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, Earl and Bessie Craig; husband, Dorland Tindall; infant daughter, baby Julia; granddaughter, Rikki Murray; foster daughter, Bonnie Goodwin; son-in-laws, Craig Hall, David Kirby; sister, Eileen Garling; sister-in-law, Mable Tindall; brothers-in-law, Philip Tindall, Elmer Ross, William (Bill) Garling, David (Bud) Garling, Stanley Carlson, Robert Towne and nephews, Garry Ross, Robert (Toby) Towne.

Dorothy will remain in the hearts of her children: Dawn Tindall (Steve McLeod), Bradley Tindall, Karen Hall (Adolf Helperl), Brenda (Brad) Murray, Henery (Lynda) Tindall, Jill Kirby, Jo-Anne Hopkins; sisters, Edna Hemphill, Margaret Uytterhagen; brother, Robert (Bob) Craig; sisters-in-law, Marleen Craig, Elizabeth (Betty) Garling and Vera Ross; grandchildren, Joely, Lynn, Brandie, Kaylie, Darby, Loralie, Kirby, Craig, Wesley, Muriel, Melissa, Jodie, Cody, Tyler, Jenna; step grandchildren, Brian, Leah, Sherri; great grandchildren, Marissa, Dylan, Stefan, Jaelin, Travis, Alexander, Brogen, Parker, Nevada, Joshua, Zakree, Anika, Lincoln, Denver, Jack, Tyler, Brooklyn, Natalie, Eira, Koen, Adilyn, Sophie; step great grandchildren, Shelby, Logan, Jayden, Jaxon, Brandon, Brianna, Hayden, Blake, Lucas, Colby, Lane;

great great grandchildren, Madden, Harper, Elena, Noah and Athena as well as special friend Charito (Sherri) Goodwin and family as well as Bonnie’s family and many nieces and nephews, neighbours and friends.

A Visitation was held on Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 9:00 am ~ 10:00 am at the Grace United Church, Weyburn, Saskatchewan and the Funeral Service followed Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Grace United Church, Weyburn, Saskatchewan with Reverend M. Barnabas officiating. Interment took place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn, Saskatchewan. For those unable to attend the service in person, please log in to Fletcher Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services Facebook Page.

Donations in memory of Dorothy can be made to Weyburn and District Hospital Foundation, Box 1416 Weyburn Saskatchewan S4H 9Z9.

Word of Remembrance:

Dorothy May Tindall nee: Craig

Otherwise known as Mom, Mother Aunt Dorothy, Grandma Tindall, Grandma Dorothy.

I am Shelby Kirby

I was one of many children that was fortunate to grow up frequently visiting the farm. The farmyard was my playground, the bales were my jungle gym, and the turkeys were my mortal enemy. If I close my eyes, I can still smell the buttermilk pancakes, the warm aroma of fresh cake donuts, and taste creamy homemade ice cream. Grandma Dorothy was a special lady, and her farm, particularly the kitchen, held precious memories for everyone.

Dorothy was the 1st child of Earl and Bessie Craig, born on the family homestead near Halbrite Saskatchewan on May 4,1929. Just 14 months later she welcomed her Sister Edna July 26, 1930, followed by sister Margaret January 10, 1930, on May 2, 1935, Dorothy and Edna were sent walking down the road to the neighbours, they played in a lot of mud puddles all the way, she always recalled this fun day, her baby sister Eileen arrived. Finally, a little brother Robert (B0b) was born December 12, 1942

Dorothy attended a country school near Halbrite, and after completing the 8th grade she moved to Gimili Manitoba and lived with her Aunt Nellie and Uncle. Dorothy adored her aunt and Uncle and they, having no children of their own, adored her also. She loved Gimili. She was disappointed in leaving school for work, as her dream was to become a nurse! She began working as a care giver in a care home and was able to send money home to help the family in hard times. In December1949 the train Dorothy was taking home for Christmas, stopped in Winnipeg. There a handsome young man named Dorland sat beside her, and their future began! Dorothy went back to Gimili after Christmas, and Dorland showed up in Gimili with a ring in the New Year. They were married March 29, 1950.

September 24, 1950, their 1st beautiful little girl Donalda was born. Unfortunately, July 21, 1951, they lost infant baby, Julia. January 20, 1953, they welcomed their first son, Bradley, March 19, 1958, Karen, October 15, 1960, Brenda, July 23, 1963, Henery (whom we all know as Garnet), July 17, 1964, Jill, August 22, 1967, Jo-Anne, Foster Daughter Bonnie arrived in1970. Just 3 years later in 1973 Joely the first of many grandchildren arrived. Always children around the farm.

For several years, Dorland and Dorothy rented land and homes within a few miles of Weyburn. In 1960 they purchased” The Farm” to raise their family! Dorothy and Dorland worked hard growing crops and feed for livestock and sale. Dorothy drove grain truck at harvest when she was needed. She planted a huge garden. The contents of her storage room had enough to feed a small army, at any given time. If it could be canned, frozen, or pickled, Dorothy made it. Dorland raised a few hundred head of cattle. Dorothy, however, raised pigs, turkeys, chickens, ducks geese, and a few sheep. In the basement she hatched her own chickens. Easter morning there were always hatching chicks. Along with additional chickens, turkeys’ ducks and geese all purchased from the creamery, were penned off in the basement, until they were big enough to move to chicken houses. Even piglets came into the basement.

Then butchering time, where neighbours & Dorothy’s sisters would come to help. The butchered beef, pork, and poultry. They cured their own ham and bacon, and package, froze, canned the meat. All for the family. It was one of many things Dorothy loved to do with her sisters, as they shared a very close bond. They worked for awhile together at the creamery and were always a great help and fun to be around. Occasionally they would go to Bingo or to the casino. Dorothy and her sisters would pick all kinds of berries, chokecherry, saskatoons, and crab apples. Dorothy would purchase cases of peaches pears apricots, and apples. All of this would become delicious, canned fruit, amazing pies, or tasty jellies and jams.

She always had a special Jersey milk cow, Nora, Annabelle etc. Always very classy names for Dorothy’s cow! Dorothy separated the milk, churned cream, and made her own butter. She also made ice cream inter. In Dorothy’s kitchen, everything was homemade. The best doughnuts, mouthwatering chocolate cake made with buttermilk and brown sugar icing, buns, bread, cinnamon rolls etc. Macaroni and hotdogs would scarcely be found on the farm that raised and harvested its own steak and potatoes.

Thinking back Dorothy’s day started at 6am. She would hum while making breakfast for a house full of between 7 and 11 mouths. Dorothy had her own happy humming noise when she worked that none of us could do it! But everyone who knew her knows what I’m talking about. Her family grew up eating breakfast of porridge, bacon and eggs, toast, cereal…Sometimes possibly a cinnamon bun. On weekend they may have pancake eating contests. They assumed this was the morning choice of every family. Restaurant meals were rare, as you had everything you needed and more at Dorothy’s table. She had lunches packed for 5 or 6 kids, cows milked, chickens fed, eggs gathered, all before 8am. The kids were off to school, and guess who was left with the dishes? She sewed a lot of the kids clothing in the early years, made beautiful quilts and feather pillows, she also knitted various items. She loved life and she loved to work. She was always doing something. Even while watching Another World on TV for an hour in the afternoons, there were buns rising on the counter or a cake, cookies, or a roast in the oven. The men could spend a day in the field and 16 hours’ worth of work at home would seamlessly be done when they returned. Not a word of complaint would be heard from Dorothy about how tirelessly she worked, either. I don’t think she even knew how to complain.

Some of you may feel a bit Dowdy (or that your thoughts are a bit cloudy) others not so smart today! That is how Dorothy described a day she felt a bit off. So, I hope you all feel better tomorrow! Nothing stopped her “The Farm” became the best place to be, especially on holidays. She expected a full house for every holiday! A real tree, full of presents, baking, homemade fudge, candy, pudding, and everything amazing. She loved hosting Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and made a lot of Birthday cakes. From 1960 to 2007, Dorothy cooked for everyone. Her siblings, nieces, nephews ,Children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors were often expected to show up on weekends with their families. No matter who showed up with or without warning, they were fed fresh baking and a homemade meal. Nobody knew how she did it. She fed the men at seeding, haying, and harvest. When her boys ran the auto wreckers out of the yard anyone who came along with them was fed. It was never an exception you had, but it was her guarantee. If you were in Dorothy’s home, you were fed. She truly loved watching everyone enjoy The Farm, her meals, and baking. She knew she made fabulous meals. Sometimes she would be eating something she loved, and she would say “Boy this sure is good”, as if she were trying something new. The house and yard were full of people, playing, laughing, and enjoying themselves. Not once did anyone ever hear that it cost too much to feed all these people all the time. All they ever wanted was to enjoy time and good food with these families. and it was all they ever wanted was to enjoy their families. Many card nights and bingo games were enjoyed with friends and neighbours.

The Farm was the place for Everyone Uncle Ed and Grandpa Craig stayed with us in the winter, for years and then eventually just stayed. They entertained the kids with cards, checkers, croque etc. Dorothy also cared for Grandpa Tindall and Grandma Craig when they needed extra care.

Dorothy and Dorland’s door was always open if someone needed a place to call home. From parents and siblings, down to grandchildren and friends, some stayed for hours, others for days, months, or even years! That was what Dorothy did she took care of you!

Children loved staying at the farm. It was like having your own petting zoo, with extras. You could hold baby chick’s, pet, and bottle feed calves, gather eggs, milk a cow. You could ride a pony, pull a toboggan behind in the winter. We could play in haystacks, go exploring in the pasture. Ride quads, trikes, and skidoos or the occasional car hood behind skidoo. You could learn to drive lots of things. Rest assured, if all of this was not enough and you felt compelled to complain of boredom, Dorothy would find you something to do.

In 2007Dorland and Dorothy retired. The farm was sold, and they Moved into Weyburn. Yes, absolutely everyone missed the farm that was a hub for many years! Bingo and Casino became more frequent, as did travel. Dorland and Dorothy it, however travel opportunities were now possible! While Raising 7 children, foster daughter, and others, a few hundred head of cattle, and may other critters, you don’t get far. In 47 years before retirement, they had taken two long trips. 1969 they travelled together to Vancouver for Dorland to be on a game show. In 2000, they went to Las Vegas with Jill to celebrate 50th Anniversary.

After retirement, they made numerous trips to Surrey BC and to Brooks, Alberta. Sometimes they went by plane, but road trips with their children and Grandchildren were their preferred means of travel. They enjoyed getting away and seeing places with family.

One of our favorite moments was when Dorland and Dorothy would sit on the sofa and hold hands Dorothy would say “we’re in Love aren’t we Dorland?? And if he didn’t answer she would ask again. “We’re in love aren’t we Dorland” Then he would kind of shrug his shoulders and say” I guess”. We especially remember this when Kirby was around because then she would say! ” Kirby are you in love”?? Kirby says “ YAAH Grandma I’m in Love” HAAHA! Kirby would say Auntie Jill are you in love? Yes, good to know everyone is in love!

Good to know Grandma and Grandpa are in love and together again!

We love you Grandma! Thank you for everything you have given us, as this list would take days to get through! Rest in Peace.

Words of Remembrance from Layne:

As a young kid, spending time on the Tidall farm with Aunt Dorothy, Uncle Dorland, and lovingly “ Uncle Ed”, I learned what real farm work was.

Magically , before anyone was moving about Nora was

Milked, chickens were out, fresh baking was on the counter and breakfast was on…. Before we left the yard with machinery and grain trucks, lunches were packed, water buckets were full, and maybe a snuck bottle of pop from the cold room for Henry and I.

Invisible to us while in the field, the garden was kept, the clothes were cleaned, a trip to the city for supplies and a huge supper was made.

Dorothy made a 16 hour day look easy, and without error.

And this was and average day.

No complaint, no problems, it just seemed like magic.

Dorothy took care of so many people. So many.

I am sure I didn’t say thank you enough.

So, Thank you Aunt Dorothy, you taught Me More than you will ever know

Words of Remembrance from Rhonda Craig:

Growing up and going to Aunt Dorothy’s and Uncle Dorland’s was a weekend highlight! From Aunt Dorothy’s cinnamon buns, cake with the best boiled brown sugar icing, home baked buns, to her delicious supper meals complete with fresh garden vegetables and fruits it was always a great time! She would always say “Sure is Good” as we were eating our meal she had prepared!

My aunt could be described as a pioneer woman, she worked hard with very little at times, most women of today could learn a thing or two from her! Life probably wasn’t the easiest for her in her younger years, looking after a large family and having a big farm with lots of livestock. It always amazed me how she could have such an organized household with all those kids, cook huge meals in the summer heat, bake and get all the chores done plus have company in for supper! I always loved it when it was time to go do chores with her after supper!! She had a huge heart and would take in anything! Whether it be stray pets, kids, she welcomed any family to stay at her home and would gladly accept ducks or chickens that needed a home! One of my favourite memories was going to the Weyburn Auction Mart a few times with Aunt Dorothy. We would go scope out the livestock for sale then sit in the stands with a snack or 2 and wait for the sale to start. She always said just try bidding! I was a bit reluctant but she always said “It will be ok with Bob(myDad) Just bid on it!” I wasn’t so sure of that when I came home with a half ton full of my wins! A calf and a few crates of some “beautiful roosters and hens”!

There are many strong women in the Bible but one of them should have been named Dorothy. To Sum up my Aunt Dorothy I would describe her as a Proverbs 31 Woman

She led her home with integrity, discipline and more

She aimed at making her life, her husbands life and her children lives better, teaching her children the fundamentals of life

She was a loving Mother and her children looked up to her

She spent her money wisely, she did not spend money on frivolous things but on items for which her family needed

She worked willingly with her hands, planting, baking, cleaning, doing chores, never grumbling or complaining

She created an inviting home of warmth and love for her family and those around her

She used her time wisely, she worked diligently to complete her daily tasks

Inner beauty-she was creative and created beauty in her life and the lives of her loved ones

She was strong, always busy, worked late and got up early and was generous to others

My deepest sympathy to all of my cousins, their families, my Dad, my aunts and extended family and friends, my thought and prayers are with each of you

I would like to close with an Irish prayer

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, Rest In Peace.. Amen

Love to all Rhonda xoxo