It is with sadness that the family of Ellin (Harsch) Keil announces her passing on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Eatonia Oasis Living in Eatonia, Saskatchewan, at the age of 89 years.  Ellin was born on October 18, 1936, in Drumheller, Alberta, to John and Annie Harsch. She was raised in Carbon, Alberta, before later moving to Calgary, Alberta.  On July 1, 1960, she married Richard Keil, and together they built a life centered around farming and raising their family.  Mom was known for her strong work ethic, homemade bread, buns and noodles, her huge garden, and making sure nobody ever left hungry.  She loved to knit, crochet, and sew, and over the years many babies were wrapped in handmade quilts lovingly stitched by her.  While raising her children, Mom was an active helper in the Mendham 4-H Club and enjoyed curling and bowling. She was always willing to lend a hand wherever she was needed.  Over the years, she volunteered at bake sales, worked in the curling rink kitchen during bonspiels, and spent many hours helping with PTA barbecues to raise money for playground equipment for her grandson’s school.  She also worked in housekeeping at the 4L Motel in Leader and enjoyed helping on truck day at Elaine’s Foodtown in Leader, where visiting and staying busy were just as important as the work itself.  Mom loved spending time with family and friends, especially over coffee and conversation. She enjoyed road trips, including a bus tour to Portland with her sister Doreen and, while living in Medicine Hat, many shuttle trips to Lethbridge to visit her sister Loretta.  Mom never hid her love of chocolate.  During her years in Medicine Hat, Kit Kat bars were always the favourite, and in recent years at EOL, Oh Henry bars became her signature treat.  She always had one tucked away nearby, and if you came to visit, you had better not forget to bring one — we often joked that keeping her stocked in chocolate had become a full-time job.  Ellin was predeceased by her husband, Richard Keil; her parents, John and Annie Harsch; her brother, Gilbert Harsch; her sisters, Loretta Shastal and Doreen Harsch; her brothers-in-law, Edward Keil, Walter Keil, and Harvey Shastal; her sisters-in-law, Alice “Sis” Keil and Jean Harsch and her daughter-in-law, Yulia Keil.  She is lovingly remembered by her children, Treena (Dave) Redman and Kelly Keil; her grandchildren, Jay Ellen St. Jacques, Austin Redman, Scott Thome, and Amber Thome; her great-grandchildren, Kylie Goldie, Kian Goldie, Brie Thome, and Cheyenne Brown-Holden; her brother, Roland (Sandi) Harsch; her sister-in-law, Alice Keil as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express sincere thanks to the staff at Eatonia Oasis Living for the care and compassion shown to Mom during her final weeks.

We would also like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Shane Andrus for the care, support, and compassion he has shown our family over the years. His presence during so many difficult moments in our lives has meant more to us than words can express, and we are deeply grateful that he is able to officiate Mom’s service.  

We would also like to sincerely thank the staff at Pattison Funeral Home for their kindness, guidance, compassion, and professionalism. During an incredibly difficult time, they have been wonderful to work with and have helped ease the burden on our family in countless ways.  

Special thanks as well to longtime family friends Travis Boser for providing music and Wanda Siewert for sharing her voice during Mom’s service. Having people who knew and cared about Mom help us celebrate her life makes this day especially meaningful to our family.  

Thank you to everyone who has called, messaged, visited, sent cards, brought food and expressed condolences during this difficult time. Your kindness, support, and thoughtful words have meant so much to our family.  

The funeral service will be held in PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE (540 South Railway Street SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta) on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. with Dr. Shane Andrus officiating. The service will be live streamed.  Those who wish to attend virtually, please use the following link or click on the button below: https://youtube.com/live/orbWvlWyU58?feature=share.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Ellin Keil may be made to Eatonia Oasis Living (EOL).  

Donations may be mailed to: Eatonia Oasis Living (EOL) (Box 217 Eatonia, SK, S0L 0Y0) or sent by e-transfer to: eatoniaoasisliving@gmail.com.  

A reception will be held immediately following the service, followed by the interment at SAAMIS PRAIRIE VIEW CEMETERY.