Saturday, July 19, 2025
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on July 19, 2025.
GRUSENDORF, Marilyn Marilyn Carol Grusendorf (1945 – 2025) Marilyn Carol Grusendorf, born on October 4, 1945, in Bassano, Alberta, Canada, peacefully passed away on July 12, 2025. She was the beloved daughter of Everett Embree and Cora Deoline (Narum) White.Marilyn shared a special bond with her younger sister, Darlene Elaine McLafferty, full of love and countless cherished memories.
In her lifetime, Marilyn experienced love, family, and adventure. After a short time apart, she is now reunited with her true love, Arthur William Grusendorf. They exchanged vows on May 20, 1967, in Brooks, Alberta. She is also survived by 7 loving children: Terry Joy, Carrie Lyn (Michael) Hamilton, Jackie Gay (Roger) Johnson, Rhonda Lee (Steven) Perks, Rosalie Ann (Robert) Evans, Monty Jay (Susan Jarvas), and Twila Dee (Matthew) Jensen.
Art and Marilyn’s legacy extends through their 46 descendants through 5 generations including 7 children, 21 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Their love, laughter, and shared moments will forever echo in the hearts of those they touched.
Marilyn had a deep love for her family and was always there to love, support and cheer them on. She cherished the moments spent with her extended family and enjoyed every opportunity to gather.
She found joy in serving others as a wonderful friend and through her various church callings. Her kindness, dedication, and love for those around her will always be remembered.
As we bid farewell to Marilyn, let us celebrate a life well-lived – a life woven with love, family bonds, and the joy of creating a lasting legacy.
Friends may meet the family on Monday, July 21st from 6 – 8:00 pm or Tuesday, July 22nd from 10:00 – 10:45am.
Her life will be celebrated at a funeral service on Tuesday, July 22nd at 11:00 am.
Both events will be located at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Garden Place Chapel, Magrath (170 N Center St.)
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
MATKIN, James “Jim” JAMES “JIM” MATKIN 1956 ~ 2025 Jim passed away suddenly but peacefully on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Lethbridge, Alberta.
He was predeceased by his grandparents James and Ethel Freel and Charles and Ireta Matkin; parents Jim and June Matkin; brothers John and Michael Matkin; sister Connie Tarnava brother-in-law Greg Tarnava; and his niece Cassidy Matkin.
Jim is survived by his sisters Kathy Matkin-Clapton (Christian Clapton), Sharla Matkin (George Szilagyi); nieces and nephews Isaac Prusky, Abigayil and Maiya Clapton, Elijah and Rain Matkin-Szilagyi, Carmen Geigle (Nick), Laura Goalen (Ed), Mark McNevin and Mike Matkin. A beloved member of the Lethbridge community, Jim’s warmth and friendship touched the lives of countless people, and his loss is deeply felt by all who knew him.
Jim was born in Magrath on April 7, 1956. After moving to Milk River, where he and his siblings thrived in the freedom of small-town life, the family settled permanently in Lethbridge in 1970. As the eldest of six children, music became his escape. Thus began a lifetime of collecting records and playing them at full volume from the basement, most often with his friends Tom and Barney. His other passion was playing golf in Waterton, first with grandfather, Joe Freel, and then with lifelong friends, the Big Fat Old Pigs (BFOP). Jim organized the annual BFOP tournament for this group for more than 25 years. The golf was always great, but his awards ceremony and hospitality were legendary.
Jim’s gift for building community came naturally, which is why he couldn’t go anywhere without running into an appreciative person he’d extended kindness to. This popularity led our family to dub him the unofficial “Mayor of Lethbridge”. This community adulation stemmed from 42 years of outstanding customer service at the post office, where he worked until his retirement last year. Although the job could be challenging and the hours long, it allowed him to do what he loved best every day: connecting with people in a way that would make their lives better. That was “Post Office Jim” – a man cherished by co-workers, customers and friends. His loss will be felt deeply by all of them.
His most enduring role, however, was that of a devoted son to our mother. This pair did everything together – garage sailing, visiting every garden store, perusing the farmer’s market and planning epic family events just to delight our children. Jim was the family photographer, historian and barbecue master. He was also our Santa Claus for many years, long after his nieces and nephews stopped believing. He and Mom reveled in these family gatherings, but above all, Jim knew that she was happiest sitting on her deck in the sunshine, surrounded by her flowers. After her passing, he continued to beautify this space in her honour, creating a sanctuary where birds and butterflies could gather.
A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPELS, 610 – 4 Street, South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
OLIVER, Floyd FLOYD OLIVER 1931 ~ 2025 Floyd Oliver, of Lethbridge, Alberta, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at the age of 93 years. He will be lovingly remembered by all those who knew him.
Floyd’s cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
EAGLE SPEAKER, Yolanda EAGLE SPEAKER Yolanda Eagle Speaker, beloved spouse to Rex Many Grey Horses, passed away on July 11, 2025 on the Blood Reserve, Alberta at the age of 55 years.
A wake service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston, Alberta on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. A funeral service will also be at Legacy Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 23 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Many Grey Horses Cemetery, Blood Reserve.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
WORONUK, William “Bill” WORONUK WILLIAM “BILL” (SONNY) WORONUK, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Audrey Woronuk, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, surrounded by family on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at the age of 92 years.
At Bill’s request, no formal Funeral Service will be held.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
MURDOCH, Rachelle Lyn Rachelle Lyn Murdoch July 25, 1984- July 12, 2025 It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Rachelle Lyn Murdoch. She is lovingly remembered by her partner, Mike Burrows and stepdaughter, Olivia Burrows.
She also leaves behind her mother, Sherry Murdoch; father, Bob Murdoch; sister, Sydney Murdoch (Jonathan); brother, Layne Murdoch (Brandi); as well as many cherished uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. Raised in Coaldale, Rachelle had a special laugh and lived life to the fullest. She dedicated her career to caring for others, offering support to many including those facing addiction and women fleeing domestic violence.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her humour and compassion.
A celebration of life will be held at the Historic Norland Estate on August 3rd from 2:00- 5:00 pm. All who knew and loved Rachelle are welcome. To honour her memory, please wear black and skulls.
COUNCIL, Anthony ANTHONY “TONY” COUNCIL 1969 ~ 2025 Mr. Anthony “Tony” Council of Willow Creek, beloved husband of Kella Jenkins, passed away at Kelowna General Hospital on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the age of 56 years.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
TARNAVA, Connie Connie Tarnava March 30th 1961- May 24th 2025 On May 24th Connie was peacefully reunited with the love of her life & best friend Greg (Tracks). Their love was rare. It stood the test of time while they were here and will continue to be an inspiration to those they leave behind.
Connie was the first-born daughter to Jim & June Matkin in Milk River Alberta. She spent her early years hanging out with her family by the river fishing and trapping.
Connie married her soul mate and best friend Greg (tracks) on November 14, 1981 in Lethbridge. They welcomed their first daughter Carmen in May of 1983. The family moved to Saskatoon where their second daughter Laura was born in July of 1987. Connie, Greg and the girls made their final move to Central Alberta where they were rewarded with many solid friendships.
Connie and Greg loved the biker lifestyle and helping people in need, together they were a major force behind the Southern Alberta Tusker in Lethbridge and the Central Alberta Toy Run in Blackfalds.
Connie is survived by her daughters Carmen Geigle (Nick) and Laura Goalen (Ed), Grandkids Alexandra and Griffin, Aurora, Luna and Celeste, brother Jim, sisters Kathy and Sharla, and Brother in law Paul.
Connie was predeceased by the love of her life & companion Greg (Tracks), her mother June and father Jim, brothers Mike and John, Father in law Ducky, Mother in law Laurette and beloved Aunts, Uncles & Cousins.
Connie was kind and loyal and was always willing to lend a hand. She loved to be outside and enjoyed walks with her dog Maisy. She loved reading and catching up with friends. She adored and treasured her grandkids and spent as much time with them as she could.
After Tracks passed away, Connie endured daily life with a never-ending broken heart! Connie and Tracks are now together again, and her broken heart is no more.
A celebration of Life will held for Connie on Saturday September 20 at 2pm at the Blackfalds Community Centre (4810 Womacks Road).
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to The Central Alberta Toy Run (centralalbertatoyrun@outlook.com), or the charity of your choice.
VAN NISTELROOY, John VAN NISTELROOY John Frank Van Nistelrooy, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Bonnie Van Nistelrooy, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at the St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, on Thursday, July 17th, 2025 at the age of 69 years.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
COLLIN, Carole Carole Collin
1938 – 2025
Carole Anne Collin (née Vornbrock), beloved wife of the late Delbert Joseph Collin, passed away peacefully in Taber on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at the age 86 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 5009 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. Burial to follow at the Warner Memorial Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial service at the Warner Elks Hall, located at the corner of 4 Avenue and 3 Street, Warner. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by visiting Carole’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 10:45 A.M. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 11:00 A.M.
She is survived by her loving children Tim Collin of Warner, Ed Collin of Taber and Nola (Peter) Nagy of Warner. She is also survived by six grandchildren Michael Collin of Calgary, Christine (Austin) Olson of Surrey, British Columbia and Ethan, Joey, Jonny and Colin Nagy of Warner. She is survived by one great grandchild Damon Olson of Surrey, British Columbia. She will be fondly remembered by her sisters Mary-Lou Lund, Pauline (Bob) Shatford, Marjorie Van Rijn and Lenore (Wayne) Grover; sisters-in-law Catherine Stroman and Colette (Art) McMullen; brother-in-law Wilbur Collin and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
She was predeceased by her parents Paul and Irene Vornbrock; brother Lloyd (Judy) Vornbrock; sisters Muriel (Jack) Marshall, Betty (Terrance) Collin; Delbert’s parents J.O. and Frances Collin; brothers-in-law Bud (Sharon) Collin, Kenneth Stroman and sisters-in-law Denise Ingles and Edith Collin.
Carole was born in Lethbridge on December 17, 1938. She was raised on a farm in Allerston, Alberta. She attended school at Masinasin, a country school, which she enjoyed and where she played high school basketball. Carole met Delbert in July of 1953. They were married October 11, 1955 and after their marriage, they moved west of Warner where they farmed for over fifty years. Carole and Delbert spent many winters in Hawaii before moving to Kihei, Maui, Hawaii for four years where she worked at Baskin Robbins before they moved back to Warner.
Carole will be remembered for her incredible amount of patience and strong will. When not out in the field, Carole spent her time gardening, fishing, camping, quilting, sewing and crafting. Carole also loved to hunt and participate in silhouette shooting. She helped put on several shooting competitions at Shortgrass Silhouette range. Carole played piano with the Knights of Rhythm band and was an active member of the Catholic Women’s League. She also spent many years serving on the Warner School Parent Advisory Committee.
One of Carole’s greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren. She will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Carole’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 2P5 (www.cancer.ca) or to the Parkinson Association of Alberta, 120, 6835 Railway Street SE, Calgary, Alberta T2H 2V6 (www.parkinsonassociation.ca).
Carole’s family would like to thank Dr. Eric Leishman, the staff at the Taber Clinic, Twilah Van Haarst and Good Samaritan Linden View, for the care and support she received.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
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