Tuesday, March 24, 2026
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 24, 2026.
FIRST RIDER, Mary Mary First Rider – Naatoihpii’aakii (Holy Dancing Woman) It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our loving matriarch, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great grandmother in the early hours of March 18, 2026, Naatoihpii’aakii started her journey to Omahksspatsiko (The Sand Hills) surrounded by her children and loved ones, at the age of 97. It is believed that Naatoihpii’aakii was actually 5 years older than the baptismal record.Naatoihpii’aakii is survived by her sister Nora, her brother Ervin, sister-in-law Joyce. Her daughter-in-law Laverne, children, Blair (Kathy), Pam (Lucius- predeceased), Wanda (Scotty), Carrie (Phillip) and the grandchildren she raised Lydia, Saige, Ellie (Tyson), Chayse (Sharen) numerous other grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Naatoihpii’aakiii was born on February 9, 1929 in Dog Childs Camp near the Niipoi’tssko (30 Trees) to Matoomahkitopi George and Isstoikamosaakii Jane First Rider, Naatoihpii’aakiii was traditionally raised by her grandparents Imiitaokosii Dog Child and Iitsiitsowaakii Only Handsome Woman.
Naatoihpii’aakiii was raised on the Blood Reserve as a traditional Iiniipooka, nurtured by her grandparents. Through them, she lived and learned our traditional way of life – one that, like many Blackfoot (Blood) people of her time, was practiced daily and deeply rooted in the living expression of the culture and identity.
As she continued her life, she respected other traditional ways such as the piercing sundance and lodges as her versatility enabled her to practice other ways of spirituality while maintaining her grandparents’ Blackfoot beliefs, values and teachings.
Naatoihpii’aakiii was sought after by numerous ceremonialists who travelled great distances to obtain the knowledge she was given after fasting at many sacred landmarks. She continuously stressed to her family to respect all forms of prayer and emphasized that respect be shown at all times.
Naatoihpii-aakiii carried a quiet strength in her work, taking deep pride in all she did. From renovating houses and building fences to plowing land, she shaped the world around her with her own hands. Her home and yard was a reflection of that care – warm, welcoming, and kept spotless through her cooking, cleaning and sewing. It was never about perfection, but about heart, effort, and resilience. These enduring qualities became her legacy, passed down through her family. Her home was a place of constant welcome – a gathering space where everyone came to visit, share meals, rest, and reconnect. It was also where we returned often, checking in to keep her close to our lives and to let her know where we were and what we were doing.
Naatoihpii’aakiii was a resilient woman whose strength and advocacy left a lasting mark on her people. A passionate defender of Indigenous rights, she stood firmly within the early movements that shaped the path forward for future generations. Her commitment only deepened through her work as an Elder in the community, where she helped guide and uplift others with wisdom and care.
She played a vital role in the development of Kainaiyssini, the Elders’ Declaration, and served as one of many advisors on the Blackfoot dictionary, working alongside linguists to preserve and honor the language. She was also part of the original Kainai Peacemaking Program, contributing to the restoration of balance and traditional ways of resolving conflict.
In her role as a Community Health Representative for the Blood Tribe Elders, she devoted herself fully – organizing events, leading programs, coordinating trips, and ensuring that food and clothing reached those in need. She gave countless, tireless hours in service to her people, always working to create opportunities and meet the basic needs of the community.
Her life was one of unwavering dedication, compassion, and strength – a legacy that continues.
Naatoihpii’aakiii had many relatives including, the family of Katie Wells, the family of Mary Standing Alone, Hind Bulls, Stripped Wolf, Weasel Moccassin, Mistaken Chief, Chief Body, Mountain Chief, Medicine Shield, Eagle Tail Feathers and other family members from Kainai, Siksika, Aamskapii Piikani; too numerous to include.
She was predeceased by her parents George and Jane First Rider, her grandparents, her siblings – Herbert (Elsie), Clive (Pearline), Edward, Randolph, Jocelyn, Meridian (Ray), Rosabelle (Kenneth), Margaret, her children – Rodney, Esther, grandchildren Blaine, Mamie, Sylvester, Rodney (Bubbles), great grandchildren – Willow Rose, Adrian John, Baby Beebe.
Grandma Mary will be sadly missed and forever loved and remembered. The wake service will be held at the Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. and the Funeral Service will also be held at the Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. with the interment at the First Rider Gravesite. A feast will follow at the Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve. The family would like to acknowledge the staff at Kainai Continuing Care for the loving care she received while she was a resident.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
ROLFSON, Bernice ROLFSON Bernice Florence Rolfson (Bobinec), beloved wife of W. Kent Rolfson, was born March 21, 1941, in Wrentham, Alberta. Passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, two days prior to her 85th birthday, surrounded by family that loved her.
Friends may meet the family at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2213 6A Avenue N, Lethbridge, Alberta, on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 6:00 – 7:00 pm, or on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 10:00 – 10:45 am, prior to the service.
A Funeral Service will be held in her honour at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2213 6A Avenue N, Lethbridge, Alberta on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at the Raymond Temple Hill Cemetery.
A live stream for the funeral service can be found on the Salmon and Sons website.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
MARTIN, Elizabeth ELIZABETH MARTIN 1934 ~ 2026 Mrs. Elizabeth Martin of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Hugh Martin, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the age of 91 years.
Elizabeth is survived by 5 daughters, three sons, one son-in-law, ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Besides her loving husband Hugh, Elizabeth was predeceased by her son, two grandchildren and two sons-in-law.
A Vigil Rites/Prayer Service will be held at 7:00pm on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at ST. BASILS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Interfaith Food Bank or a charity of one’s choice.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
PROC, Anastazia ANASTAZIA PROC 1922 – 2026 Mrs. Anastazia Proc, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Ivan Proc, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Cedar Creek Lodge (Adapt-a-Care), at the age of 103.
Anastazia Immigrated from Germany to Canada in 1953. After moving to Canada, Anastazia worked on sugar beets and farmed in the Park Lake area. Later, in 1993, she retired and moved to Lethbridge, where she would reside until her passing.
Anastazia is survived by her son Michael Proc; grandchildren Kris (Kristina) and Craig; sister Katherine, who lives in the Ukraine; and her niece Pavlina. She is also survived by extended family in the Ukraine.
Besides her beloved husband Ivan Proc, Anastazia is predeceased by her parents, Fedor and Paraskovia, and her son Nicola.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at SS PETER & PAUL UKRAINIAN GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 643 – 12B Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
WOOD, Burns Burns Wood 1922 – 2026 Burns Whytock Wood, beloved husband of Nena Wood, passed away in Taber on Saturday, March 21, 2026. After a life well lived, Burns has died at the age of 103 years. Burns was born in Taber on June 21, 1922, to Harold and Ida Wood, the fifth of eight children.
He will be buried beside his wife Nena Wood (née Davidson), who died in 1976. Burns was a widower for fifty years! He is survived by four daughters and one son, Lee Ann Anderson of Taber, Kathleen (Don) Wright of Lethbridge, Wendy (Tom) Saunders of Victoria, British Columbia, Ian (Debby) Wood of Taber and Denise (Rick) Heninger of Calgary. Burns and Nena gave rise to a numerous posterity of twenty six grandchildren, seventy five great grandchildren and twenty two great great grandchildren. All this from two lovely souls united in marriage in December 1945.
Burns grew up during the Great Depression on a sheep ranch and later on a sugar beet farm in the Taber area. He enlisted at age twenty in the Royal Canadian Air Force, during World War II. He trained as a pilot and served in the Royal Air Force Ferry Command, delivering aircraft to many far-flung destinations including Africa, India, England, Scotland, Iceland, West Indies, Brazil, etc. Burns graduated from the University of Alberta in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and moved to the family farm southwest of Taber.
Burns spent decades in public and church service. He worked for twenty eight years with the Alberta Sugar Beet Growers Association, at local and national levels. He was actively involved in church worship, holding many leadership positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. An eloquent speaker, he shared his wartime memories in many school auditoriums and at Remembrance Day ceremonies. Indeed, he loved to serve and associate with people of all backgrounds and nationalities.
Burns loved Canada, especially the shortgrass prairie of Wild Rose Country. He was proud to be an Alberta farmer and found joy in working outdoors. Burns led with good humour, empathy, patience and considerable charm. He was a unique and interesting man. He touched the lives of many and will be sincerely missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday,  March 27, 2026 between 6:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. ONLY. as no meet the family is scheduled prior to the funeral service on Monday.
A private burial service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden prior to the funeral service on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre, 4709 – 50 Avenue, on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 12:00 P.M. 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 Burns’ obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 11:45 A.M. on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 12:00 P.M.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
WITHAGE, Hilda WITHAGE With gratitude for a life well lived, the family of HILDA WITHAGE sadly share that she passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Hilda was born on July 22, 1926 in Claresholm. She spent a happy childhood on the Nauta farm, north of Fort Macleod.
As a young adult, Hilda worked alongside her dad on the family farm, tending to the needs of livestock and crop production. This experience served her well when she married a young farmer and became part of a farming business team.
Hilda and John Withage were married in June 1947, and lived on the Nobleford farm for 60 years. A notable family moment happened when an additional combine operator was needed during a busy harvest season. Hilda, who was approaching 70 years old, climbed aboard the John Deere 9600 combine and operated it the whole day!
Hilda’s life also revolved around the love and care for her family, including two daughters and two sons, their spouses and five grandchildren. There were countless gatherings where her gift for hosting brought enjoyment to everyone. Her meals to the field and visits over coffee were treasured activities.
Hilda had a deep love for her grandchildren. From their earliest days to adulthood, she was keenly interested in their school, music and sports activities.
In her final years, Hilda was lovingly cared for by her family and the dedicated staff of Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale.
Hilda leaves behind a legacy of warmth, kindness and joyful memories that will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.
Hilda will be laid to rest privately in Archmount Cemetery.
For those who wish, donations may be made in memory of Hilda to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (heartandstroke.ca)
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
MILLIGAN, Shirley SHIRLEY D. MILLIGAN 1946 ~ 2026 Shirley D. Milligan, of Lethbridge, and formerly of Milo, P.E. passed away at the Chinook Hospital, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, March 13th, 2026, at the age of 79 years.
Shirley moved to Lethbridge in 1976 and made it her permanent home. Shirley had graduated with honors from PVI Cooking School and followed her love of cooking in Lethbridge until her health would not allow her to continue.
Shirley is survived by her sisters, Faye Doucette (Willard MacKay), Elaine Yerxa and Dorothy Milligan (Mary Frizzell). She is remembered by her nieces and nephew, Angela, Carolyn, Catherine, Susan, Marie and Christopher. Shirley is predeceased by her husband Roger Martineau, parents Everett and Hazel (Gorrill) Milligan and by her brothers-in-law Eric Doucette and Danny Yerxa.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Martin Bros Funeral Home in Lethbridge. Her cremated remains will be forwarded to Belvedere Funeral Home, Charlottetown for burial at a later date next to her parents in the Free Church of Scotland Cemetery, Milo.
In accordance with Shirley’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
MICHENER, Gail GAIL MICHENER 1946 ~ 2026 Dr. Gail Michener of Picture Butte, beloved wife of Dan Michener, passed away at home on March 20, 2026 at the age of 80 years.
A Memorial Event to celebrate her life will be announced at a later date.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
BARBY, Terry BARBY TERRY BARBY, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Karen Barby of 41 years, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at the age of 80 years.
Besides his loving wife Karen, Terry is lovingly remembered by his mother-in-law Lyla Leishner, his sister-in-law Gail (Shawn) Smith, his nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, and numerous cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents Otto and Esther Barby, his father-in-law Irvin Leishner, his brother Irvin Barby, his half-sister Wyonne Spring, sister-in-law Lorraine Pickett, and his nieces Trish Spring and Michelle Barby.
Terry was born on February 5, 1946 in Lethbridge to Otto and Esther Barby, the youngest of three children. He spent his whole childhood and school years growing up in Nobleford. After high school, he moved to Lethbridge where he spent most of the remainder of his life.
Terry joined the Green Haven Garden Centre family business when he married the love of his life, Karen in 1984. Terry was not always visible at Green Haven but was very much the centre of all their building projects, including the numerous greenhouses. He made sure everything was in top shape and well maintained. He loved to be on the tractor, ride-on mower, forklift, ATV and even the golf cart.
Terry also learned the art of knife-making and spent many enjoyable hours grinding the blades, carving the handles from exotic woods and making the leather sheaths.
Terry also loved the Great Outdoors, by way of camping, hiking, canoeing, boating, hunting and fishing. He spent many wonderful times with Karen and friends enjoying the prairies, mountains, rivers, lakes and oceans (both tropical and West Coast). His love for nature was shared with his many friends and family.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the caring staff at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit.
A Celebration of Terry’s life will be held at IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 20 Rocky Mountain Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Lee Loveridge officiating. The Celebration of life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Terry’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
In memory of Terry, for those who wish, donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
YANKE, Miriam YANKE MIRIAM YANKE, beloved wife of the late Lanceton Yanke, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the age of 61 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Viewing at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, March 26, 2026 from 6:00 P.M, to 8:00 P.M.
Miriam will be laid to rest in Royal View Cemetery during a private Family Graveside Service.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
MALABANAN, Leslie LESLIE SABINE MALABANAN 2006 ~ 2026 Leslie Sabine Malabanan of Lethbridge, beloved daughter to Willy and Elizabeth and best friend to her sister Ashley, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the age of 19 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
PEIFER, Jean Jean Agnes Peifer October 12, 1948 РMarch 21, 2026 Jean Agnes Peifer (n̩e Acheson) passed away peacefully on March 21st, in Lethbridge, Alberta. Born in Bogota, Columbia, on October 12, 1948, to Cyrus Harold and Helen Macgregor Acheson, Jean moved to Canada as a child, living in Edmonton and later Calgary.
A graduate of the University of Alberta and Carleton University, Jean built a respected career as a therapist, known for her compassion, insight, and care for others. Her faith guided her life and service through Christ the Redeemer Church in Lethbridge, where she shared her gifts in ministry and prayer.
Jean was also a talented stained glass artist, gifted writer, and lover of good humour and wordplay.
Jean is survived by her beloved husband, Bill; her sister-in-law, Carole Acheson; and her niece, Sophie Acheson, both of Wellington, New Zealand.
A service celebrating Jeans’ life will be held at Christ the Redeemer Anglican Church in Lethbridge on Friday, March 27th, at 1 :00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s honour may be made to the Abide Ministry at Christ the Redeemer.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
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