February 11, 1926 - April 20, 2021
Walda Ruth Scheibner was welcomed to her eternal home with her Lord and Saviour on April 20, 2021. She leaves to mourn her siblings, Paul, (Ida) Schellert, Leonard, (Lilly) Schellert, Betty, (Paul) Weresch, many nieces and nephews, their spouses and children. Walda was predeceased by her husband, Otto Scheibner, parents, Pauline and Adolph Schellert and her brother Bernard.
Walda was born on February 11,1926, South of Edmonton, to Pauline and Adolph Schellert. She attended Sandy Lake School through grade nine.
In the following years, Walda worked on the family farm. Literacy in both English and German enabled her to assist her German speaking parents as their translator.
Walda graduated in 1951 from Canadian Northwest Bible Institute in Edmonton with a three year diploma. Following graduation, Walda served as pastor from 1952 - 1960 in the PAOC Blackmud church, near Leduc Alberta. Next, Walda served as an interim pastor in Medicine Hat Alberta.
Two or three years later, Walda served as Leader of Women’s and Children’s Ministry for the German Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada. Based out of Edmonton, Walda travelled by train across Canada, teaching Daily Vacation Bible School and leading various children’s Bible camps. Walda’s responsibilities also included training new immigrant churches to establish Sunday schools and translating English curriculum into German.
In later years, Walda’s face lit up when she spoke of this children’s work. Yet she was willing to give it up when she said “yes” to Otto Scheibner’s marriage proposal. They were married on October 28, 1967 at which time Walda moved to Vancouver.
Walda continued teaching DVBS at the BC German Pentecostal camp, and together with Otto, led Children’s ministry and contributed musically to their church. In addition, Walda had her fingers in many more pies, leading the church kitchen and all things Christmas.
In addition to church service, Walda taught piano lessons and worked as a housekeeper. Eventually, caring for Otto’s mother who was suffering from dementia, became Walda’s fulltime responsibility. After Mother Scheibner’s passing, Walda and Otto travelled in Europe and across North America.
In time, Walda became her dear Otto’s caregiver, as he suffered from Alzheimer’s until she was widowed in 2004. Walda lived her remaining 17 years in Surrey and her final 6-7 weeks in a complex care home in Kelowna.
To her family, Walda was known as a strong, gentle, servant leader, caregiver and amazing cook. To the children in her community, she was known as the gentle storyteller with the lilting voice, leading many to a personal relationship with Jesus. In church communities, Walda’s impact has been described with appreciation and respect. In her care homes, she was known as the sweetest person in their care, and in her Surrey neighbourhood, a fellow pedestrian called her “a cute, little old woman.”
Walda’s unwavering faith, undying gratitude and joy carried her through many tough years, serious traffic and pedestrian accidents, and finally, her struggle with dementia. Walda’s love of singing and humour never failed, not even when she had a hard time distinguishing between her caregivers and Jesus.
Walda, in her 4”11’ frame, was a larger than life warrior of prayer, kindness, joy and light. We are forever grateful her life touched ours.
Walda will be laid to rest at Ocean View Burial Park on Monday, May 3, 2021, at 10:30 am.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Wellspring Foundation for Education.
You can improve the quality of education for children in Central and East Africa.
Please go online to donate. https://thewellspringfoundation.org/
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