We Remember

ERHARDT, Rita LaVern (nee Ferstel)

July 7, 1939 — December 14, 2018

With much sadness we announce the passing of our treasured Mom and Grandee, a long-time Kelowna resident.  She will be greatly missed by daughter Twyla McPherson and grandsons Troy McPherson (Anne) and Travis McPherson (Kaitlyn); son Glen Erhardt and granddaughter Amanda Erhardt, grandson Brandon (Leah) Erhardt and granddaughter Jessica Erhardt; 5 great grandchildren, Aiden, Quinn, Layla, Arianna and Aubrie McPherson; her treasured partner of 41 years, Adam Weingart and his family; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents Ernie and Anne Ferstel, her siblings Earl Ferstel, Joyce Clarke, Wayne Ferstel, and her son-in-law, Bob McPherson.

Rita was born in Regina, Saskatchewan and moved to Kelowna with her family at the age of 9. Her lifelong dream of becoming a Registered Nurse was put on hold while she married Len Erhardt and raised their two children.  At the age of 38 she went back to school and was in the inaugural class of graduates of the new RN program at OUC.  She worked at David Lloyd Jones Seniors Home, and was active in the Nurse’s Union.

After retirement, she and Adam spent their summers on numerous camping trips, joining friends and family, and taking several long excursions throughout western Canada and the USA. They also made a trip to Europe in 1979 where they travelled by Euro Rail and explored Germany, France, Italy and several other countries.
She was an avid reader, loved sewing and baking, and spending time with family.

Rita had a kind heart and a dry sense of humour which endeared her to everyone, including the many healthcare workers who tended to her in her last 2 years while she endured many hospital stays as her health declined. She remained cheerful and optimistic right to the end.

A Celebration of Rita’s life will be held at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 10:00 am.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation, www.heartandstroke.ca

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

Service
Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 10:00 am

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation Link: www.heartandstroke.ca

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for ERHARDT, Rita LaVern (nee Ferstel) is scheduled for Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 10:00 am. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone: 250-860-7077

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Gloria mandel says:
    August 23, 2019 at 11:16 am

    I was thinking of my friendship with Rita when we grew up together. We played together in Regina and had such fun and wonderful memories. I live down east and hadn’t seen her for years. But I wish we had connected long ago. I am so sorry she is gone. Her parents and mine were best of friends. I am so sad I wish we had seen more of her.

    Reply

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Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke