1932 - 2024

Eva Viola (nee Derksen) Little passed away Friday, May 3, 2024.

Eva is survived by her daughter Leslie (Arie Jr.) vanDuyvendyk, sons Ronald (Donna) Little, and Robert (Tara) Little, grandchildren Jeffrey Little, Mandy (Dan) McCaughley, Christopher vanDuyvendk, Brianna (Kyriel Roberts) vanDuyvendyk, and Roman Little, great-grandchildren, Aron Little, John Little, and Mason McCaughley.

Eva was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Dr. Robert (Bob) Little, her parents Peter and Marie Derksen, and siblings Hank (Helen) Derksen, Mary (Arvid) Hansen, and Peter (Ruth) Derksen.

Eva was born in Wymark, Saskatchewan, the fourth child of Peter T. and Marie Derksen. She received her early education at Wymark School. She attended Rosthern Junior College for her grade 11 & 12 years. Eva followed her sister Mary to City Hospital, Saskatoon training as a nurse. It was there Eva met Dr. Bob Little.

Eva and Bob married in May 1954. Bob was a family physician and Eva was a clinic nurse at the O.M. Irwin clinic. They moved back to Saskatoon so that Bob could do his residency in Radiology. Here Leslie and Ron were born. Eva and Bob spent the final year of Dad’s residency in Winnipeg and moved back to Swift Current once Bob was done. Bob Jr was born in Swift Current.

Mom was active in St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, teaching weekday programs and Sunday School. She was awarded a life membership by the Women’s Missionary Society for her work in Swift Current. Mom was active in the Kinettes. She was a dedicated “band mom” and volunteered as a docent at the Art Gallery of Swift Current. She played tennis and was a committed walker with the “Walking Gals”

Mom was a lifelong learner. She was a passionate reader whose curiosity touched on art, history, and travel. When Dad retired, she was able to live her dreams to travel. Mom and Dad visited Fiji, New Zealand, Europe including Paris, London, Rome, and Russia as well as visiting most of Western Canada and parts of the US. Winters were spent in Victoria, BC.

Mom’s life was centered around family. Sundays were spent at her Mom’s in Wymark with her brothers and sisters and the litter of nieces and nephews. During the week, she’d be out at Pete and Ruth’s farm tending her garden and visiting Aunt Ruth. Every Derksen gathering had copious amounts of coffee, animated discussion all filled with love and caring.

After Dad passed, Mom was able to remain in her home in Swift Current in no small part due to her nieces and nephews, Russ and Maureen, Matt, and Grace were constantly checking to see if Aunt Eva was OK. But, the time came when it was necessary to move to Saskatoon to be closer to family. Mom lived at Luther Riverside Terrace. When independent living was no longer possible she moved to Extendicare Long Term Care and finally to Sherbrooke Community Centre in Saskatoon.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Zion Mennonite Church (78 – 6th Avenue NE Swift Current, SK).

Arrangements entrusted to Derryl Hildebrandt-Mourning Glory Funeral Services Saskatoon (306) 978-5200.