O'Della Patricia Skitcko

The family of O’Della Patricia (Dell) Skitcko (Tolchard) of the Saltcoats district, sadly announce her passing on January 22, 2026, at Regina General Hospital. She was 80 years old.

Dell was born March 17, 1945, in Yorkton, SK. She was the third daughter of John and Ella Tolchard of Bredenbury, SK. Dell grew up on the family farm near Bredenbury. She attended Glyndwr School, Saltcoats High School, and completed her Grade 12 through correspondence.

On July 18, 1964, she was married to Joe Skitcko, and together they farmed the historic Prairie Queen Farm, near Rokeby, for over 60 years.

Dell was many things to many people – family, friend, and neighbour. She was known for her generosity, her hospitality, and her always interesting conversation. Her home was open morning, noon, and evening, to any of the many neighbours and friends who dropped by for a visit and a cup of coffee, which she always had brewing. Between hauling grain, tending her garden, and looking after her yard, she always found time to host family suppers and parties for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and Roughrider games. She could whip up a tasty meal in a flash, and she was there for any and all who needed a hand, be it help in troubled times, a child in need of comfort or just some help with their homework. She was a knowledgeable farmer and served her community for many years as a weed inspector.

Dell was a woman of words, with an art for poetry, writing, and telling stories, whether it was a song sung along to her guitar or a silly story made up to entertain the children. She loved history, politics, and current events, and her writing can be seen in many family histories for friends and neighbours written for memorials and local history books, as well as many humorous poems composed to commemorate occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.

Dell loved dogs and had many close canine companions over the years. She loved watching birds, especially the summer songbirds and the dancing cranes who stopped over on the south hill year after year. She also enjoyed tracking the weather and the seasons every year. She loved music, especially Leonard Cohen, and she loved books and reading. Reading daily newspapers from all over the world was a special hobby.

Dell was a beloved wife, sister, and auntie to her many nieces and nephews. Above all, she was a devoted and loving mother to her son, Sheldon, and ‘Granny’ to her grandson, Dustin, who were both always her pride and joy. She is remembered by her husband Joe, her son Sheldon (Natasha), grandson Dustin (Luelle), sisters Jane Smithson and Emily Maddaford, and sisters-in-law Mary Amos, Anne Harrison, Fran Skitcko, and Rose Bugera, as well as many extended family members.

Dell is predeceased by her parents John and Ella, parents-in-law Phillip and Maria, sister Helen Wiebe, and brothers-in-law Milton Maddaford, Peter Wiebe, Morley Smithson, John Skitcko, Jack Amos, Ken Harrison, Mike Skitcko, and Steve Bugera, and sister-in-law Bonnie Skitcko.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no formal service. Her spirit is now free to dance with the cranes and sing with the little songbirds.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of O'Della Patricia Skitcko, please visit our floral store.