Tuesday, January 6, 2015

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 6, 2015.

BRENNAN WINDRUM
1987 ~ 2015
Brennan Windrum of Coaldale, beloved son of Donna Windrum and Larry Batalden, passed away on January 1, 2015 at the age of 27 years. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday January 7, 2015 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th St. S., with Glenda Wert, officiating. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

DE GROOT
BEN DE GROOT, beloved husband of Carol de Groot, of Lethbridge, passed away at the St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit on Thursday, January 1, 2015 at the age of 75 years. Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his sons Hank de Groot and Steven (Rachelle) de Groot of Lethbridge as well as his grand daughter Megan. He is also survived by his sister Tina (Marvin) Ainsworth of Calgary, AB, and their family Darren, Kevin and families. He is predeceased by his parents Hendrik and Wilemke and one brother Harm. A Private Funeral Service was held at Mountain View Cemetery. In memory of Ben, donations may be made to the Alberta Lung Association, P.O. Box 4500, Station South, Edmonton, AB, T6E 6K2
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

Irene Virtue
November 11, 1927 – December 31, 2014
Loving, brave, generous and with a sharp wit, Irene Virtue was known for her indomitable spirit and enthusiasm. She lived a full and engaging 87 years. She died peacefully and with grace, surrounded by her family. Irene¹s pragmatism was ideally suited to nursing. She completed her B.Sc. at U of A where she met Charles, her beloved ŒChuck¹. Their love and respect for each other was unique and they had an extraordinary 35 years in Lethbridge raising their 6 children. Irene was the force that enabled her children to be so engaged and active in life. She provided a solid foundation and a listening ear to the Œ15th Avenue¹ neighbourhood kids. She was a skier, traveler, fitness buff, hiker, windsurfer, sailor, cycler, and boater ­ and she hosted a great party. An avid reader, she enjoyed discussing social issues and politics and always had an opinion on current events. Irene embraced the move to Calgary, when Charlie was appointed to the Court of Queen¹s Bench. She supported the theatre and shared her love of the arts with friends and grandchildren. With lifelong friends, she hiked in the Bugaboos, bird-watched in Galapagos, enjoyed the cabin on Lasquiti Island, sailed in the Caribbean and boated down rivers in Europe. She cherished her new friendships with her book and bridge clubs and met regularly with her U of A Nursing classmates. Irene navigated transitions seemingly without effort. When Charlie had a severe stroke at the age of 69, she provided the support and encouragement that enabled him to live at home and to continue to enjoy life. She became the competent captain of her ocean cruiser and enjoyed many day and overnight trips in the Gulf Islands until her last outing on the boat at the age of 85. Her move to a retirement residence brought her a great group of new friends who enjoyed many laughs together. Even as she grew older, she rarely turned down an invitation to party, to travel, or to try out a new restaurant. Irene loved her family deeply and she showed that love through her generosity of spirit. Her children, Marni and Steve, George and Carole, Carol and John, Jeph and Julie, Jud and Krista and Jane and Sean meant the world to her. She had a special bond with each one of her grandchildren, Nicolas, Brock, Erica, Jennifer, Molly, Christopher, Nathan, Jordie, Spencer and her adopted grandchild Carlyle, who all appreciated her sense of fun and wisdom. She welcomed their partners Dorotea, Cody, Arel and Ben and was absolutely delighted with Arlo, her first great-grandchild. Irene will be missed by Charlie¹s sister, Carol Snedden, and family and by her brother¹s wife, Francoise Greenwood, and family. Special lifelong friends will remember their ŒBugsy¹ with love. The family thanks Irene¹s doctors, including Dr. Shelly Stokes. A Celebration of Irene¹s life will be held at Calgary Golf and Country Club (One and one half blocks West of Elbow Drive on 50th Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB) on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at 2:00p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through http://www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Memorial donations in her name may be sent to the Asthma Society of Canada http://www.asthma.ca. In living memory of Irene Virtue, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.

ISABELLE (ISSAPAKI) LANKFORD
1927 ~ 2015
Isabelle (Issapaki) nee Bruised Head Lankford of the Blood Reserve, was called home on the morning of January 3, 2015 at the age of 87 years. Isabelle passed away peacefully in her sleep at St. Michael¹s Health Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta. A Funeral Service / Viewing will be held at 2:00pm – 7:00pm on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 St. S., Lethbridge, AB. Prayers to follow from 7:00pm ­ 8:00pm. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

MARY RITA HEALY nee SPEAR CHIEF-Iisstsain¹ski, beloved wife of the late Grant James Healy, was called home to be with our Creator on Sunday, December 28th, 2014. Mary Rita was born on May 26, 1952 to the late Allen and Isabel Spear Chief of the Blood Reserve. Rita, along with eight sisters and two brothers, was raised on a small farm on the Blood Reserve. Rita, at a very young age, developed a love for reading;she often carried a big hard-covered book around with her. In this, she would also carry a dictionary, to look up and pronounce any difficult words she came across. Rita was usually seen reading her books whileeither sitting behind the house in the shade, in Dads tool shop, or out in the field. Rita¹s great love for reading would carry on for the rest of her life; everyday she engaged in reading anything from science to world history to culture. Rita received part of her education at the St. Mary¹s Residential school on the Blood Reserve. She went on to continue at St. Francis Junior High and Catholic Central High in Lethbridge, AB, where she graduated. Following this, Rita went on to be employed with Petro Canada in Calgary, AB, for many years. As well, she was employed with Nova Corporation in Edmonton, AB, as well as with the Blood Tribe Administration on the Blood Reserve.In her work experience, Rita favoured and excelled at clerical/administrative work. In 1971, Rita gave birth to her one and only child, Stephanie Spear Chief. From 1990 to 1992, Rita would welcome three grandchildren; and this past April 2014, Rita was very proud to become a great-grandmother to Nevaeh Dawn. In her last few months, Rita spoiled Nevaeh with gifts and love, and often she spoke of how she wanted to provide only the best for her great-grandbaby. Rita had many things that she loved, but one of her greatest loves was animals; in particular, Rita loved cats from when she was a child, up until she was called home. Most recently, Rita was a loving owner to two cats namedSweety and Buddy.In addition, Rita was also a proud owner to her precious dog, Molly. Rita spent much of her last days paying close attention to the well-being of Sweety, Molly and Buddy. She loved her pets so much that when Molly gave birth to a handicapped puppy, she provided 24-hr care to it in attempt to keep it alive.
In 1994, Rita returned home to live with Mom after Dad passed away. At home, she spent her days helping mom on the farm, especially when it came to mom¹s cattle and orphan calves. Rita was very passionate about the orphans, which led her to take a veterinary course at the Lethbridge Community College. In this, she saved mom a lot on vet fees. In addition to farm work, Rita frequently assisted mom as a foster parent by providing care to many of her nieces and nephews. In 1992, Rita met and married the love of her life, Grant Healy. They would spend the nexttwenty years together before his passing on December 19, 2012. During the last years of her life, Rita spent the majority of her time with family, especiallywith her grandchildren, who took turns living with her in Lethbridge. In her home, Rita relied on family for company as well as for assistance around the house. As she enjoyed being home, Rita loved making plans for the next family dinner or working on home décor ideas.Rita, from a young age, took great pride in her appearance; as she carried this belief throughout her life, she often strived for perfection within her home. Besides her loving daughter, Stephanie (Keith Jr.). Rita is also survived by three grandchildren; Starly (Wade), Letisha (Marty), and J Nolan (Melissa); one great granddaughter, Neveah; and one adopted granddaughter Keanna. Rita is survived by her sisters and brothers; Gertrude (Tom), Monica (Adolph), Alma (Martin), Emma (Leonard), Gloria, Margaret (Bill), Carolyn (Kevin), Melvin (Merle) and Kelvin; as well as by numerous Nieces and Nephews. Rita is survived by Auntie, Lena Brown Chief Calf; ex sister in law Betty Spear Chief; as well as numerous cousins. Rita was predeceased by her husband Grant Healy (2012); Parents, Allen (1994) and Isabel (2013) Spear Chief; sister Lenora Ann Sinclair (2010); an infant brother (1966); nephews, Gilbert Spear Chief (1995) and Leslie Frederick Buckskin Jr (2004); and nieces, Janis Spear Chief (2003), Sasha Spear Chief (2000), Genie Spear Chief (2012), Crystal Taypotat (2013), Shania Black Star/Scout (2014), Makai Shade (2006), Kaydence Black Star/Scout (2008), and Kyra Spear Chief (1998). Rita, from childhood to adulthood, lived life to the fullest. Rita¹s stories, intelligent wit, and generosity will be greatly missed by all that knew her. However, she will continue to live on with the beautiful memories she left with her children and family.
A Wake Service will be held at the Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Tuesday, January 6th from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary¹s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Wednesday, January 7th at 11:00 a.m. Interment in St. Paul¹s Cemetery, Blood Reserve.
Email condolences to: legacycardston@gmail.com

MAVIS STANDING
1914 ~ 2014
Mrs. Mavis Standing of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Herbert John “Bert” Standing, passed away on December 31, 2014 at the age of 100 years. She was predeceased by her parents Barbara and Charles Harding, her husband Herbert John “Bert”, and her oldest son Fredrick Lawrence. Mavis is survived by her son Donald Herbert (Janet) and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their families. Mavis is also survived by Fredrick¹s children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren and their families. Mavis was born in Lethbridge and lived all her life there. She was actively involved with her churches missionary program. In 1958 she became involved with the Civil Defense Organization. Her hobbies were reading, knitting and visiting with family and friends. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 ­ 4 Street South, Lethbridge, with Pastor Mark Noonan, officiating. Interment will be held in the Mountain View Cemetery. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

MINTZ
RONALD HOWARD MINTZ, beloved husband of Sandra Mintz, of Lethbridge, Alberta, passed away following a hard-fought, ten-year battle with cancer, on Saturday, January 3rd, 2015, at 48 years of age.
Besides his loving wife, Ron is survived by his teenage sons, Brandon and Ethan Mintz, of Lethbridge, AB., his mother, Dorothy Mintz, of Edmonton, AB., and his siblings, Gary Mintz (Debbie Senner) of Edmonton, AB., and Dianne Arndt (Guy), of Powell River, BC. Ron was pre-deceased by his father, Edwin Mintz. Relatives and friends are invited to a Prayer Service, which will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB., on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Cliff Bogdan officiating. A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 6:00 P.M. with Reverend Glenda Wert officiating. Reception to follow. Ron and Sandra wish to express immense gratitude and thanks to the Lethbridge physicians, and their teammates, who supported them so well, making a tremendous difference in their lives, namely- Dr. Brenda Ireland, Dr. Abdul Shukkoor, Dr. Dinesh Witharana, Dr. Patrick Oviatt, Dr. Abhijit Ghose, Dr. Xander VanderPoll, Dr. Wendy Takeda, and Dr. Brad Hagen, as well as BJ Milman-Fritz, and the staff of St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre. You are each angels on earth, and we give thanks for you all. Ron was a born and raised Edmontonian, who fell in love with Lethbridge, where his in-laws lived. Ron enjoyed a career with Don Wheaton Chev Olds in Edmonton, at their flagship dealership, as a Red Seal, GrandMaster Automotive Mechanic. What he enjoyed even more, was restoring classic vehicles, and building his own race cars. He took tremendous pride and enjoyment in this work, and the prevalent “car scene” in Lethbridge was just one of the factors that drove him to insist on a family move to Lethbridge in 2008. Ron wholly embraced fatherhood, and his sons were a tremendous source of love, pride, joy and focus in his life. He adored his sons from the minute they were born, and was very grateful for the time that he was able to have with them, shaping, nurturing, guiding, and loving them. He would have liked many more years with them, but was relieved and grateful for each extra year that he was given, thanks to his excellent medical care. Ron felt that if one didn’t do a great job in parenting their children, then no other life accomplishments much mattered. Ron was much loved by his family and friends. He was universally considered to be a really great guy; the kind of person who was liked and respected by all who knew him. Ron was honourable, kind, fun to be around, and had a gentle disposition. Ron¹s sweetness and pureness of heart and spirit makes his tragic loss especially difficult to bear. He will be honoured, loved and remembered in perpetuity. In memory of Ron, donations may be made to Kidney Cancer Canada – 4936 Yonge Street, Suite 226, Toronto, ON M2N 6S3, an invaluable source of support to Ron and Sandra. An online book of condolences can be signed at cornerstonefuneralhome.com
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

RICHARD TUTT
1930 ~ 2015
Mr. Richard James Tutt of Coaldale, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Shirley Tutt (nee MacSwain) passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness at the Coaldale Health Centre on January 2, 2015 at the age of 84 years. Richard and Shirley had a good marriage and many good times together. They were best friends. They are both greatly loved and sadly missed. Richard is survived by his children Paul, George, Judy & Shirley; his numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Besides his loving wife Shirley, Richard was predeceased by his daughter Rita (1964); brother Henry John “Jack” (1997). A Visitation will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513-23 Ave., Coaldale, AB. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513-23 Ave., Coaldale, AB, with Deacon Ray Wagner, officiating.

ROBERT HUMMEL
1920 ~ 2015
Mr. Robert Hummel of Milk River, beloved husband of Mrs. Elizabeth Hummel, passed away on January 3, 2015 at the age of 94 years. A family Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, January 9, 2015 at Milk River Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, January 9, 2015 at ST, PETERS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 201-2 Avenue NE, Milk River, AB, with Marian Martin, officiating.
Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

TOLLEY
Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather KENNETH DEAN TOLLEY, passed away January 2, 2015 in Cardston at the age of 91. Ken was raised in Mountain View and married his teenage sweetheart Alice Andrus in 1944. Together they raised 5 children, Marian (Ollie) Garrard, Geri (Tad) Labiuk, Ben (Karla) Tolley, Jim (Janet) Tolley, Larry (Bev) Tolley; 18 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. After Alice passed away, Ken married Thora Smith Workman. Ken always liked to fix things. He completely believed and followed the saying; use it, wear it out, make it do, or do without. He was mechanically inclined always willing to fix tractors, cars or other machinery for others. Although he was a man of modest means, he was always willing to share with others. Ken supported his family by shearing sheep, road construction, ranching, carpentry, contract haying and working for the Cardston M.D. If Ken had an obsession it would have been purchasing yet another jacket. He served on the Mountain View irrigation board for over twenty years. Ken was always active in the L.D.S. Church where he served in many different capacities over the years. Some of them were Elders Quorum President, Sunday School President in Waterton Branch and serving in Temple Visitors Center. Perhaps his favorite calling was serving as a Temple Ordinance worker. His kind, loving presence will be missed by his family and many friends. The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mountain View, Alberta on Thursday, January 8th at 11:00 a.m..Friends may meet the family at the Church from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the Service. Interment in the Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers please send your donations to the L.D.S. Perpetual Education Fund. Email your condolences to: legacycardston@gmail.com

ZOETEMAN
HILDA LORRAINE ZOETEMAN, beloved wife of the late John Zoeteman, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 1st, 2015 at the age of 84 years. Hilda was predeceased by her beloved husband John in 1998, her parents Morris and Nettie Hofman, and her bothers Tymen and Bill Hofman. She is survived by her sister Jan Van Camp of Seattle, WA, her son Len (Ingrid) of Calgary with grandchildren Jonathan and Matthew, and her son Wayne (Janice) of Pearce with grandchildren Lindsay, Joshua, Allyssa. Hilda was raised on the homestead farm in Nobleford, surrounded by large extended families rich in love and hospitality that profoundly shaped her life. She received secretarial training at Mount Royal College in Calgary and returned to her family and friends where she was engaged and later married to John Zoeteman on December 5, 1952. They built their lives, family, and service to the community from the family homestead at Pearce, Alberta where they resided until 1996 when they moved to Lethbridge. Over the years Hilda and John developed a large and lasting circle of deeply valued relationships with family and friends throughout the region through their extensive involvement in municipal government, community activities, and church life. Hilda loved people unconditionally, had a special gift of hospitality, and was a true, faithful friend. She cherished the farm life, her flowers and garden, and the constant flow of visiting company throughout the years. She loved her family and treasured her dear friends. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and were continual recipients of her prayers. She enjoyed being a true lady and expressed herself through a variety of creative artistic expressions. Hilda will be forever remembered as a deeply courageous woman who selflessly faced the illness of her husband John, as well as her own health challenges without complaining. She lived as an ambassador of love and encouragement, unconditionally extending the fruit of kindness to everyone she knew. She truly fulfilled her days here on earth. Hilda will be deeply missed and fondly remembered as she now graduates to join those she dearly loves in heaven. A Celebration of Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 1:30 P.M. followed by a reception. Viewing will commence at 1:00 P.M.
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

Fred Danforth
1937 – 2015
Frederick Ernest Danforth, beloved husband of Shirley Danforth, passed away in Taber on Monday, January 5, 2015 at the age of 77 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.

Abe Dyck
1939 – 2015
Abram Dyck, beloved husband of Susan Dyck, passed away in Coaldale on Thursday, January 1, 2015 at the age of 75 years. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
A private burial service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden prior to the funeral service.
The Funeral Service will be held at the New Life Church, 5120 – 47 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com <http://www.southlandfuneral.com&gt; . Besides his loving wife, Abe is survived by his children Gerald (Grace) Dyck of Taber, Glenda Plyson of Ontario, Cheryl (Harold) Addy of Taber, Sylvia (Tim) McArthur of Lethbridge, Rhonda (Tim) Woof of Taber, Ellery (Sandy) Dyck of Taber, Jean Dyck of Rocky Mountain House and Lionel Dyck of Taber, daughter-in-law Viola Wall of Taber. He is also survived by sixteen grandchildren, one great grandchild, three sisters, three brothers and many brothers and sisters-in-law as well as nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Helen Dyck, grandson Michael Dyck, brother Henry Dyck, sister Tina Dyck and several brothers and sisters-in-law. Dad always loved working in his yard outside and spending time sitting in the sunshine. He loved his grandchildren and always had coffee on in anyone came by for a visit. He was a quiet, courteous, gentle man with a good sense of humour. These traits stayed with him all through his battle with Parkinson¹s disease. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Abe¹s name may be made directly to the Coaldale Health Centre (Long Term Care), 2100 – 11 Street, Coaldale, Alberta T1M 1L2.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

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