FRIDAY, August 26, 2016

Mary Willms

1925 – 2016

Mrs. Mary (Klassen) Willms passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, August 21, 2016, just a month short of her 91st birthday.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 5:00pm and 7:00pm on Thursday, August 25, 2016 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 St. S., Lethbridge, AB.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, August 26, 2016 at the COALDALE MENNONITE CHURCH, 2316 17th St, Coaldale, AB, with Pastor Lillian Thompson officiating.

Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Mennonite Central Committee, 210, 2946 – 32 St. NE Calgary, AB, T2Y 6J7; Rock Solid Refuge, 108 Bone Creek, Shaunavon, SK, S0N 2M0; Samaritan’s Purse, 20 Hopewell Way NE, Calgary, AB T3J 5H5; Teen Challenge, Priddis, AB T0L 1W0; or to the charity of your choice.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.

Donna Valgardson
1927 – 2016
Donna Alyce Valgardson (nee Edwards), beloved wife of the late William “Bill” Valgardson, passed away peacefully in Lethbridge on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at the age of 88 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, August 28, 2016 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. and also at the church prior to the funeral service on Monday, August 29, 2016 between 10:00 A.M. and 10:40 A.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre, 4709 – 50 Avenue, Taber on Monday, August 29, 2016 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.
Donna will be sadly missed by her seven children Bill (Sandra) Valgardson of Taber and their children Lindy (Ryan) Tanner, Scott, Amber (Jay) Jerowsky and Kara (Bruce) Dunham; Blair (Gail) Valgardson of Taber and son Dylan (Kimberly); Sherman (Glennda) Valgardson of Taber and their children Eric (Tami), Mark (Jenny), Raegan (Jeff) Hill, Lauren (Chris) McCance and Julia (Dustyn) Noble; Sheila (Cameron) Calder of Alpine, Utah and their children Christopher, Jordan, Courtney and Mackenzie (Ryan) Graham; Julie (Scott) Larsen of Prescott, Arizona and their children Zachary, Ciara (Tyler) Goodman, Isak, Micah (Ryan) Taylor and Spencer; Joann (Alan) Jessop of Draper, Utah and their children Tanner, Kylie and Carson; Sharon (Brent) Morrison of New Dayton and their children Parker, Kole and Tait. She is also survived by twenty nine great grandchildren; brother and sister-in-laws Ronald (Connie) Valgardson of Taber, Ethel (Bob) Stephenson of St. George, Utah, Victoria Valgardson of Taber and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Bill Valgardson; her parents Charles and Sally Edwards; granddaughter Amber Rae Valgardson; siblings Eldon (Mary) Edwards, Rachel (Melvin) Anderson, Maydell (Dean) Anderson and Ruth Nadine; In-laws Norma (Van) Haslam, Thelma (Cliff) Rawsthorne, LaRue (Alfred) Carter, Howard Valgardson, Garry Valgardson and Patti Valgardson.
Donna was born in Taber, November 8, 1927 to Charles and Sally Russell Edwards. She spent her life in Taber and attended Central School and Taber High School. Donna had a keen mind and a wonderful memory. She won many awards for her performances in poetic competitions and could recite long memorized poems into her later years. She also excelled in gymnastics while in school.  For many years, Donna could turn herself into a “pretzel” that entertained her family. She worked at the Bank of Montreal before marrying Bill Valgardson on July 10, 1948. Her greatest love was her family. Donna devoted her time and energy in creating a warm and wholesome home to nurture her children and grandchildren. She was a wonderful homemaker and the best cook. She was loved for her hot crossed buns, her flapper pies, her donut days and memorable Sunday dinners. Her grandchildren always knew there would be treats at Grandma’s house.
Donna enjoyed sewing, needlepoint, knitting, quilting and crocheting and used these skills to bless her family.  There were many dresses made, quilts delivered and baby gifts enjoyed by her selfless acts. She amazed everyone with her creative Halloween and skating costumes. Donna most loved Christmas and birthdays and spent many hours turning these events into magical moments for her family.
Donna had many life long friends that were dear to her and enriched her life. She often spoke of her friends from her school years and the wonderful memories that she enjoyed from that time. She valued her friendships with those from her church associations and her time spent working on genealogy as well. They were happy times for her.
Donna was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She held many positions in the Church and executed them faithfully. She taught her family of her faith in the Gospel and instilled in her children, a love of our Savior. Her legacy of Faith lives on through her posterity.
Our love and thanks go to the nurses and staff at the Edith Cavell Care Centre for the kind and personal care that they gave to our mother. We express much love and appreciation to Kristine (Ackerman) Jensen and to Lori Derksen for their loving, thoughtful and attentive sweet care that they rendered to our mother and grandmother.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.