BETHA DIRKS (BUDZAK)

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BETHA DIRKS (nee BUDZAK) March 18, 1925- August 20, 2011 Beth passed peacefully at her Falcon Lake cottage, where she loved to spend her summers. 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 stepchildren, 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 Hwy. A memorial reception will follow the service and a private family committal will take place at a later date. KLASSEN FUNERAL HOME 1897 HENDERSON HWY., WPG, MB 338-0331 Condolences may be sent to www.klassenfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 23, 2011