March 28th, 2024

Tuesday, December 30, 2014


By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 31, 2014.

BARTKE
HERBERT BARTKE passed away at the St. Michael’s Health Centre, Palliative Care Unit, on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at the age of 87 years. A Private Family Interment will be held at a later date.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca

COBY WALDREN
Passed away, at the age of 94, Coby, (Jacoba) Elizabeth Waldren, nee Van Bronswyck, a beloved mother, grandmother (Oma) and great- grandmother. Coby was born on Feb. 10, 1920, in Vlissingen, Holland, to a merchant marine, Jacobus van Bronswyck and his wife, Lies (Beuker). She and her family, including her brother Leo and sister Marie, moved to The Hague a few years later. By the late 1930¹s, Coby had taken the trade of a hairdresser. During World War II, Coby had to work on farms to provide food for the family. After the Liberation in 1945, she met Canadian Army Private Homer “Wally” Waldren whom she married when she moved to Lethbridge in 1948. They had a son (Robert) a year later and a daughter (Deborah) in 1955. By 1956, she opened the well-known “Coby¹s Beauty Shop” on 13 St. N. She added a beauty school, a children¹s and a women¹s clothing shop to the business. She also owned stores in other locations, such as a beauty school on 7th St. S., and the “Cinderella Children¹s Clothing Store” on 3rd Ave. S. Coby also bought and sold many houses in town, turning them into successful rental properties. Her husband Wally predeceased her in 1970. After her retirement in 1980, Coby travelled extensively. She took many cruises and enjoyed long stays in Hawaii and Holland. She and her friends Finn Miller and George Vickers (and their dogs) drove through the Southwest U.S. in the early 1980s. She settled down to spend winters at the Sky Valley Park, in Desert Hot Springs, California, from 1986-2011, a true snow bird. In her last few years, she enjoyed playing bridge and crib at the local seniors¹ centres, and the Casino. She resided comfortably at St. Therese Villa. She died in her sleep on December 24, 2014. She had a long life well-lived, working hard, and always enjoyed her freedom and friends. Coby was tough and independent, but generous and hospitable in spirit, always supportive of those around her.
She is survived by her son Robert Waldren, her daughter Debra Leinweber (Phillip), her three grandchildren Maya, Allan and Bryan (Leah) and two great-grandchildren Lily and Jude. A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10th at Assumption Roman Catholic Church, Lethbridge. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Lethbridge & District Humane Society, or Save the Children Canada.

DOREEN (LILLY) WILKIE
FEB 7, 1928 ~ DEC 17, 2014
Born in Staffordshire, England, Lilly Doreen Chamberlain was the youngest child of seven. She grew up in Wordsley during the lean years of the 1930s and wartime, when she learned a lifelong lesson of Œwaste not, want not¹. She earned a scholarship position at Dudley Girls High School. In 1949, Doreen married Donald Wilkie. Six years later, Doreen and daughters Susan and Julia immigrated to Canada to join Don. Doreen adjusted to life in a small hamlet in the Ontario bush. While there they welcomed a third daughter, Valerie. Shortly after, Don accepted a teaching position and the family moved to Nobleford, AB and later to Milk River, AB. In June 1967 she was suddenly widowed. With her usual pluckiness, she chose to stay in Canada and raise her daughters by herself. That fall, she enrolled in the Bachelor of Education program at The University of Lethbridge. She taught in Coaldale and then at The Lethbridge Community College where she tried to instill a love of the English language in all her students.
Doreen loved a good book, a lively conversation, yard sales, silk blouses, harvesting her grapes and apples, making jams and, above all, she loved animals. Doreen could always be found with a dog at her side or a cat in her lap. She had a special affinity for birds. For many years she raised exotic birds and helped many wild birds get back to health. She became, essentially, a Œbird whisperer¹. She engendered in her family a love of all creatures. Thus it was no surprise when she established Pet Parade in 1978 with her daughters. This business exists 37 years on. Doreen is survived by Susan (Dave) Wilkie, Julia Wilkie, and Valerie (Dan) Sullivan and grand-daughters Nicole (Chris) Brookfield, Sara Gobeil and Kendra Sullivan. Doreen was loyal to us all. As a mother, she taught honesty, fairness, and generosity; and if you were her friend, it was for the long run. Flowers are gratefully declined and we ask that, if you wish; make a donation to animal rescue or wildlife preservation. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 St. S., Lethbridge, AB, with Canon Allan McQuaig, officiating. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

GALLANT
Mr. JAMES EUGENE “JIM” GALLANT, beloved husband of Mrs. Dorothy May Gallant of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Thursday, December 25th, 2014 at the age of 78 years.
A Memorial Mass will be Celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. with Reverend Roque Perreira Celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the The Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 960-19 Street South, Lethbridge, AB., T1J 1W5.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca

HIRSCHE
GARY KEITH HIRSCHE, passed away in Taber, Alberta on Sunday, December 21st, 2014 at the age of 78 years, beloved husband of Shirley Gorham Hirsche. The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 54th Street Chapel, Taber, Alberta on Tuesday, December 30th at 1:00 p.m.. Friends may meet the family at the Church from 11:45 to 12:45 prior to the Service. Email your condolences to: legacycardston@gmail.com

JOYCE HOSACK
1932 ~ 2014
Mrs. Joyce Evangeline Catherine Hosack (nee Perrich) of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Ross Hosack, passed away at the Calgary Foothills Hospital on Thursday, December 25, 2014 at the age of 82 years. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, January 10, 2015.at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 St. S., Lethbridge, AB. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 19th Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5.
Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

KELLINGTON
JOSEPHINE KELLINGTON, of Lethbridge, passed away at the St. Therese Villa, on Friday, December 26th, 2014 at the age of 100 years. Cremation, with a private interment at a later date in Naicam, Saskatchewan.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca

LAWRENCE M MILLER, born Feb. 4, 1929 in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. On December 18, 2014 he passed at age 85 to be with his Heavenly Father. He was a beloved husband of 57 years, father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He worked hard on his farm for many years until selling and moving to Arizona. He was an active member in his church. He loved spending time with his family, a good card game, watching the Phoenix Suns, and telling corny jokes. He is survived by and will be missed by his wife, Jewell, 3 Children, Michael, Amy & spouse Dennis, Nancy and spouse Kurt, 6 grandchildren, Jennifer, Jessica, Melissa & spouse Chris, Nick & spouse Shauna, Adam & Mathew, and 6 great grandchildren, Lilly, Emily, Connor, Kylie, Aiden, and Addison. He is also survived by his sister, Lola & sister-in-law Marion and several nieces and nephews.

LUIGI “LOUIS” GLAVINA
1935 ~ 2014
Mr. Luigi “Louis” Glavina of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Nevia Glavina, passed away on December 27, 2014 at the age of 79 years. A Prayer Service (Vigil Rites) will be held at 7:00pm on Friday, January 2, 2015 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 St. S., Lethbridge, AB.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at OUR LADY OF ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 ­ 12 Ave. S., Lethbridge, AB, with Father Nathan Siray, celebrant. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

MARY KLASSEN
1928 ~ 2014
Mrs. Mary Klassen of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Jake Klassen, passed away on December 21, 2014 at the age of 86 years. A Visitation will be held at 7:00 pm on Monday, December 29, 2014 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 St. S., Lethbridge, AB. A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at COALDALE CEMETERY, Mennonite Section. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at COALDALE MENNONITE CHURCH, 2316-17 St., Coaldale, AB, with Pastor Lillian Thompson, officiating. Send condolences at
http://www.mbfunerals.com

MIFFLIN
ROBERT CLARE MIFFLIN, beloved husband of Priscilla Mifflin of Lethbridge, passed away at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Friday, December 19th, 2014 at the age of 83 years. A Service of Remembrance will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 – 32nd Street South, on Tuesday, December 30th, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. In memory of Robert, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer Society, #402, 740 ­ 4th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0N9
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca

PARKER
LLOYD WELLINGTON PARKER, beloved husband of the Helen Parker, of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Friday, December 26th, 2014 at the age of 83 years. A Memorial Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB. on Tuesday, December 30th, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. Dr. Bill Calderwood officiating.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca

SAMUEL K. SERBU
1925 ~ 2014
Loving Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather he leaves to mourn his passing, his wife Anne, of 65 years; son Ken; grandchildren Marshall and Marley Serbu; daughter Valerie; grand-daughter Taryn (Sasa) Uzelac; (great grandchildren: Shantay, Luka and Emilia); grandson: Kyle Beutler (Gena-Lea) (great grandchildren: Kashtan and Avelle); step-grandson Jody Beutler (Lindsay) (great grandchild: Olivia); Step Grandson Jason Beutler (Nicole) (Great Grandchildren: Lucas and Slade), sisters Doris Bushuk, Evelyn Middleton and brother Steve Serbu. He was predeceased by his younger brother Dr. John Serbu.
“Beyond our smile there lies a tear, for a Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather
we lost and loved so dear.
The hardest thing in life to bare, is to want you and you’re not there.
Our heart aches as we whisper low,
I love you Dad, and miss you so.
If prayers could build a stairway, and tears could build a lane,
we would walk all the way to heaven, to bring you back again.
But a thousand prayers won’t bring you back, we know because we have tried,
and neither will a thousand tears, we know because we have cried.
We often lay awake at night, when the world is fast asleep,
and take a walk down memory lane, with tears upon our cheek.
The joy and laughter that you gave, are ours to have and hold.
We will hold you close within our hearts, and there you will remain”
A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00pm, Friday, January 2nd, 2015 at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405-12 Ave. S., Lethbridge, Alberta. Send condolences at
http://www.mbfunerals.com

SISTER VICTORIA BURTNEY
The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada, London neighbourhood, announce the death of our dear Sr. Victoria Burtney at home in our Care Centre, December 28, 2014. Born in 1925 in Vonda Saskatchewan, Sister was received into the Community in 1951. Lovingly remembered by her Sisters in community, her sisters Elizabeth (of London), Julia Godwin (Lethbridge, AB), sister-in-law Mary (Prince Albert), numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her mother Maria (nee Stus), father Nicholas Burtney, her sisters and spouses Helen and Joseph Lucas, Jean and Bill Charney, Phyllis and Tony Thoms, Marcella Middleton, Pauline and Michael Smood, Emily and Alec Schewaga, her brother Bill, and her brother-in-law Jack Godwin. Sister Victoria, known earlier as Sr. Mary Pius, excelled in making a comfortable home for our Sisters, and all the others she served in London: at the House of Providence, Fontbonne Hall, St. Peter¹s Seminary; in Windsor at St. Joseph¹s Manor; Killam Alberta and then finally at Mount St. Joseph Academy and Motherhouse back in London. Sister greeted all with a welcoming heart, and displayed a creative touch with the sewing machine. After a sabbatical year focussing on Scripture, Sr. Victoria ministered as a Pastoral Care Worker in Belle River, Leamington, Windsor and finally at Marian Villa, London. In these later years she also fulfilled the role of community driver, being greatly appreciated for getting the Sisters to their appointments safely and on time. A gentle woman with a hearty laugh, and a deep sense of God¹s abiding presence, Sr. Victoria lived into her final years with graced surrender. We thank Elizabeth Burtney for her faithful companionship and the staff of our Care Centre for their constant and attentive care. All services will be held at the Sisters Residence, 485 Windermere Rd. London, ON. Visitation Tuesday, December 30 from 2 -4 and 7 – 8 with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial: Wednesday, 11 a.m. Burial at St. Peter¹s Cemetery (John T. Donohue Funeral Home)

STAPLES
WALT STAPLES, beloved husband of 60 years to Clara Staples of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Saturday, December 27th, 2014 at the age of 83 years. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his family; Sandra (Harvey) Noble of Bentley, AB and their children Jody (Alana) Staples of Coaldale, Natalie Noble (Billy) of Calgary and Crystal Noble (Brandon) of Morningside, AB; Kelly (Debbie) Staples of Alexandra, NZ and their children Brandon, Courtney, Caitlin and Simone Staples of Alexandra, NZ; Grant (Jayna) Staples of Coaldale and their children Travis Staples of Coaldale and Garrett Staples of Lethbridge. as well as three great grandchildren Kelsi of Sylvan Lake, and Avery and Keaton of Coaldale.
Walt is also survived by a sister in law Linda Staples of Coaldale, two uncles Bill (Eunice) Staples and Ernie Amundrud of BC and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Stan and Ella Staples, and two brothers Richard and Ralph Staples. Walt was born October 24th, 1931 to Stanley & Ella Staples at Bracken, SK. – the eldest of three boys. The family lived at Mansfield, SK. where he attended school and later dryland farmed with his father & brothers. In the early 1950’s he acquired a small parcel of land in Hays, AB. where he began irrigation farming. He also drove school bus from Hays to Vauxhaul, where he met his future wife Clara. Together they enjoyed many social outings and dances over the years. They were married in January of 1954 and lived in Hays for over 18 years. He then moved to the Warner area where he worked for Anderson Supplies. He continued to farm in that area for over 10 years. After working with Green Power in Taber, he switched to Agriculture Real Estate sales in Coaldale, by that time living in the Lethbridge area. Walt will be sadly missed by his family, friends and many faithful customers. A Memorial Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, January 2, 2015 at 11:00 A.M..
In memory of Walt, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca

STORFIE
MARY STORFIE passed away at the Southwood Care Centre in Calgary, on Monday, December 29, 2014 at the age of 97 years. Mary is survived by her daughter Reva (Ed) Dowse and her son Marv (Irene) Storfie; granddaughter Katherine (Ben) Bauer; great granddaughter Capri Bauer as well as numerous step family members. A Funeral Service will be held at CHRISTENSEN SALMON GENERATIONS FUNERAL HOME, 703-13 Street North, Lethbridge on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 1:00 PM with Pastor Mike Gray officiating.

WILHELM DUDA
1923 ~ 2014
“Commit your way to the Lord. Trust in Him and He will act.” – Psalm 37:5
On December 24th Willy passed into the arms of his Saviour with his wife Elsie at his side. We will remember him for his deep love of family, his love of his adopted land, Canada, especially the beauties of Alberta, his amazing talent for fixing all things mechanical and his great enthusiasm for fishing. Willy was born on March 17, 1923 in Wiesengrund, Germany, to Wilhelm and Maria Duda. He was the eldest of eight children, Emanuel, Paul, Elisabeth, Gertrude, twins Adolf and Emma, and Guenter, who all predeceased him. From 1929-1937 he attended school and then took 3 years of apprenticeship to become a machinist. On April 15, 1942 he joined the Luftwaffe. In 1945 he was captured by English troops and stayed in a prison camp until January 1946. He then went to the East Zone where he married Agathe Koslowsky. In 1948, together with Agathe, her mother and their two sons, they escaped from the east with the help of MCC Canada and went to Camp Gronau in West Germany. There he worked for the MCC repairing cars and chauffeuring MCC workers. In September 1950 the family emigrated to Coaldale, Alberta where they attended the Mennonite Brethren Church. Life wasn¹t always easy, but with God¹s help their remaining three sons were born and Willy supported the family by working at Harry¹s Auto with the mechanic¹s licence he obtained in Calgary. In addition, he built three houses and still found time to take his family water skiing, fishing and camping. Willy retired in 1985 to care for his wife Agathe who predeceased him in October, 1986. In fall of 1990 Willy met Elsie Wieler and they married on September 5, 1992. For 22 wonderful years they enjoyed travelling, working in the garden and visiting with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Coaldale, Manitoba and New Jersey.
Willy was predeceased by his son Guenter (Kathi). He is survived by his sons Hans (Jean), Walter (Karen), George (Kathy), and Ron as well as 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. He was stepfather to Elenore (Roland), Hannah (David) and Rick as well as 4 step-grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, January 2, 2014 at COALDALE MENNONITE CHURCH, 2316-17 St., Coaldale, AB, with Pastor Lillian Thompson & Pastor George Klassen, officiating. The family would like to thank the staff at Coaldale Hospital as well as all the family and friends (especially Linda) that were such constant visitors and support during Willy¹s illness. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC Alberta, 210, 2946 – 32 St. NE Calgary, AB, T1Y 6J7). Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

Frank Drach
1938 – 2014
Frank Drach, beloved husband of Verna Drach, passed away in Taber on Friday, December 26, 2014 at the age of 76 years. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at St. Augustine¹s Catholic Church, 5009 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine¹s Catholic Church, 5009 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com <http://www.southlandfuneral.com&gt; . Frank is survived by his loving wife Verna and their three children Len (Maria) Drach of Calgary and family Natasha and Danielle; Janet (Shane) Tymchyna of Cranbrook, British Columbia and family Sharlynn (Chris) Hill and Derek Tymchyna; Ron (Tracey) Drach of Calgary. He is also survived by his great grandchildren Eastyn and Kienna, his brother Wendel Drach of Taber, sister-in-law Katie Drach of Taber and by numerous nieces and nephews. Frank was known as ³Papa² and also ³Uncle Frank² to many who knew him. He was predeceased by his parents Karl and Katharina Drach. If friends so desire, memorial tribute¹s in Frank¹s name may be made directly to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 204, 2323 – 32 Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 6Z3 (www. diabetes.ca <http://diabetes.ca&gt; ) or to the Taber and District Health Foundation, 4326 – 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9 (www.tdhf.ca <http://www.tdhf.ca&gt; ).
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Ethel Krizsan
1910 – 2014
Ethel Krizsan, passed away in Taber on Monday, December 29, 2014 at the age of 104 years.
Further information including service details will follow once arrangements have been finalized.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Mary Milliken
1926 – 2014
Mary Jane Milliken, beloved wife of Bruce Milliken, passed away in Taber on Monday, December 29, 2014 at the age of 88 years. Further information including service details will follow once arrangements have been finalized. Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Patty Valgardson
1956 – 2014
Patricia Anne Valgardson (nee Bolen), beloved wife of Peter Valgardson, passed away in Calgary on Thursday, December 25, 2014 at the age of 58 years, following a battle with liver disease. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, January 2, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine¹s Catholic Church, 5009 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com <http://www.southlandfuneral.com&gt; . Besides her loving husband Peter, Patty is survived by their family Carrie (George) Vayro and children Rae-Anne, Jae-Lynn and Kaeden; Spencer Valgardson (Crista Gray); Angela (Chris) Gregus and children Peytyn and Kynsley; Nathan Valgardson (Shelby Martens). She is also survived by her siblings Helen (Al) Zadnik, Harold Bolen, Leonard Bolen, Verna (Butch) Clark, Brian (Maureen) Bolen, Della (Neil) Goruk and sister-in-law Delores Bolen. She will be fondly remembered by her mother-in-law Theresa Valgardson and Peter¹s family, Bob (Arlene) Valgardson, Larry (Marion) Valgardson, Jennifer Valgardson, Pat (Ross) Calverley, Kathy (Norman) Czibere and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Andrew and Angeline Bolen, brother Edward Bolen, sister-in-law Marie Feldbusch, father-in-law Marvin Valgardson and brother-in-law Edwin Valgardson. Patty was born in Taber on September 25, 1956 but lived on the farm in Hays with her parents and siblings. After her father passed away, the family moved to Taber and she attended St. Mary’s School. Later, Patty met Peter and they were married May 7, 1988. She worked as Teacher¹s Aide at Dr. Hamman School for many years until she became to ill to work. Patty loved gardening and cooking and cherished her kids and grandkids. She will be dearly missed. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Patty¹s name may be made directly to the Canadian Liver Foundation, Suite 309, 1010 – 1 Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 7W7 (www.liver.ca <http://www.liver.ca&gt; ). Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Abe Unruh
1929 – 2014
Abram Unruh, beloved husband of Helen Unruh, passed away in Taber on Thursday, December 25, 2014 at the age of 85 years. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
The Burial Service will be held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Cemetery (travel north of Vauxhall on Highway 36 almost seven kilometers, then head east on Township Road 140 just over one kilometer) on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Brethren Church, 320 – 9 Street North, Vauxhall on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 3:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com <http://www.southlandfuneral.com&gt; . Besides his loving wife Helen, Abe is survived by their four children Terry (Coreen) Unruh of Hays, Ramona Stauth of Calgary, Mark Unruh (Cathy Halliday) of Hays and LaWanda Unruh of Hays; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Jo Herfort and brother Henry (Sue) Unruh; sister-in-law Mary Unruh and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents David and Elizabeth Unruh; brothers Dave, Pete and Jake Unruh; sister Liz Rempel; sisters-in-law Esther Unruh and Anne Unruh; brothers-in-law Steely Rempel and Henry Herfort. Abe was born May 13, 1929 in Stavely. While still quite young, his parents moved his family to Vauxhall where he attended school and helped farm until he met Helen Bueckert and they married November 10, 1956. They settled in Hays and farmed the Riverbank Ranch with his brothers Dave and Henry until purchasing his own farm that he worked until retiring in 1994. Abe¹s had two passions, one being farming. He worked hard on the farm and while he tolerated field work, he loved working with cattle. He was a long time member of the Hays Stock Grazing Association and a generous supporter of the local 4-H Beef clubs. After retiring, Abe continued to help his children on the farm which is now owned and farmed by his youngest son Mark. He also began collecting antiques which fill three buildings on the homestead in Hays. Abe¹s other passion in life was his family. He loved visiting and playing cards and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Abe¹s name may be made directly to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation 960 – 19 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 1W5 (www.crhfoundation.ca <http://www.crhfoundation.ca&gt; ) or to the Taber and District Health Foundation, 4326 – 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9 (www.tdhf.ca <http://www.tdhf.ca&gt; ).  The family would like to thank all those who helped care for Abe during his last few weeks. Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

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