Obituary - Betty Rinker

April 9, 1927 ~ May 2, 2024

Betty Jane Rinker (nee Wendt) of Buffalo, AB passed away at St. Marguerite Manor in Calgary at the very ripe age of 97!

Betty was born April 9th, 1927, near Burstall, SK (but on the Alberta side, LOL) in the middle of a horrific snowstorm to parents, Arthur and Lydia (nee Wolfer) Wendt. Her father, Art, set out by horse and buggy to fetch the doctor but by the time they returned, Betty had already made her entrance…a tough little survivor from day one.

She was the oldest of eight children and so became the designated outdoor helper for her father as the first boy, Jim, did not come along until much later. Betty attended school at Social Plains, left school after grade 9 and later lived and worked with her sister, Loretta in Medicine Hat.

Betty met her future husband, Clarence Rinker while working as a housekeeper for Clarence’s widowed aunt, Kay Keinick (nee Standish). Kay had five young children which kept Betty busy and amused!

Clarence and Betty were married November 9th, 1946 and settled in the Buffalo district where Clarence had land. On August 25, 1956, their only child, Debbie was born…quite a shock after 10 years of marriage. Betty loved all animals, especially horses and dogs. She loved to ride and be outside. Betty and Clarence worked hard with their farm and purebred Hereford cattle. They were blessed to prosper, however, holidays were rare or non-existent. Later years were challenging as Clarence developed Parkinson’s disease and Betty faithfully looked after him until he passed away in 2002.

Betty suffered a very bad fall at age 75 and had to be airlifted to Foothills Hospital to repair a broken hip and leg. After that, her balance was severely impacted and later suffered a stroke and multiple broken bones along the way. Much to her chagrin, Betty had to leave the farm at age 86, moved to Newbrook Lodge and then to Orchard Manor in Brooks. Since 2015, she resided at St. Marguerite Manor in Calgary until her passing. She was much loved and cared for by wonderful staff and the family can’t thank them enough for treating her as a treasure.

Betty leaves behind her daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Jerry Schimpf; granddaughter, Kristal Derbyshire; great-granddaughters, Hannah, Nyah and Elie Riddick as well as their dog, Ollie who Betty loved dearly and he loved her back! She is also survived by her sisters, Lilly Rinker and Linda Becker; brother, Wayne (Myna) Wendt as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur and Lydia Wendt; sister, Loretta (Walter) Fisher; brother, James Wendt; sister, Helen (Ray) Davis; sister, Alma Wendt; brother-in-law, Henry (Lorein) Rinker; as well as brothers-in-law, Leonard Rinker and Roy Becker.

Betty loved her family members dearly and was very generous, never missing a special occasion with a card and a cheque. Her faith in God was unwavering and she always trusted in the Lord.

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at the Buffalo Community Hall on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. Shane Andrus officiating. Betty always wanted to go home and we are honouring her final wish. Thank you to all the friends and neighbours who helped during her time in the community.