Betha Dirks

She is survived by her husband, Walfried Dirks, her children, Van Whitehead (Lorraine), Susan Maloney (Michael), and Bruce Whitehead (Marjorie), grandchildren Pearce, Stacey, and Merrill Whitehead, her step-children Chris Dirks (Terry) and Tim Dirks (Lila) and their children, her nieces and nephews.

Born in Winnipeg, Beth attended Kelvin High School and won a scholarship to St. Mary’s Academy, where she excelled academically and at sports. She was a beloved fitness instructor well into her senior years. She taught swimming, aerobics, dance, and jazzercise throughout the city. She later taught exercise classes for seniors and stroke-affected persons.

A music lover, Beth was an accomplished pianist and cellist. For the last several years, she loved playing the cello with Wally in the Winnipeg Pops Orchestra and the Mennonite Community Orchestra. This was a great accomplishment as Beth did not start learning the cello until she was 65 years of age. Always a leader and a motivator, she was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

Cremation has taken place and a funeral service to celebrate her life will be held on Friday, August 26, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Klassen Funeral Home, 1897 Henderson Highway. A memorial reception will follow the service and a private family committal will take place at a later date.