SATURDAY, February 3, 2018

MERTIE ANN CHILTON

May 18, 1921 – January 24, 2018

Mertie Ann Staig, youngest daughter of Charles S and Gertrude L Staig was born in Canadian County Oklahoma on 18 May 1921. She grew up in west Texas, riding and wrestling with her brothers Charles (Bud) and Milton (Deedle) and sisters Mary Ann and Ellen May while refining that extraordinary independent and assertive, yet kind, presence that marked her as special throughout her life. She became Bachelor of Science (Geology) in 1942 at the University of Oklahoma and, after a brief time as a Military Cartographer, travelled nearly 2000 miles to rejoin the love of her life, James Ryder Chilton. They were married at his parent’s home in Calgary on 7 December 1942.

Jim and Mertie worked together on key petroleum development projects in western Canada until Mertie left the industry in 1946. She continued a very active life, enjoying the outdoors, entertaining and taking active roles in sports and professional organizations that later led to increasing responsibilities in charity and social service groups. Jim and Mertie retired to Victoria in 1978, where they enjoyed the Arts, frequent travel and golf with friends at Glen Meadows until his death in 1989. Mertie was instrumental in establishing and maintaining Seniors Serving Seniors of Victoria, involved and respected as an Elder at First Unitarian Church of Victoria, and a very active volunteer in her community.

Throughout nearly 10 decades, she maintained close ties to her family, nurtured many lasting friendships, was a kind aunt to her many nieces and nephews, and second mother to her neighbours’ and friends’ children. When asked, she gave sound and frank advice and help when needed. Mertie was generous and thoughtful in her philanthropy; those who wish to continue her work could donate to the “Jim and Mertie Chilton Fund” at either the Calgary Foundation or the Victoria Foundation. Mertie is survived by nieces and nephews resident in Western Canada and US Southwest, and following generations around the globe, all of whom think kindly of a special Aunt. Indeed, she will be fondly remembered and missed by all who knew her.

Mildred Piper

September 5, 1939 –

January 29, 2018

Mrs. Mildred Piper, beloved wife of Doug Piper, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, January 29, 2018 at the age of 78 years. Mildred was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta to Michael and Magdalena Roth. Mildred grew up in the Conquerville area and upon graduating high school, attended the University of Alberta where she earned her Teacher’s Certificate. Her teaching career started in Foremost then took her to Innisfail, and Burdett before returning back to Foremost. Doug entered her life and they were married on August 16, 1962. After teaching in Foremost for several years, she decided to work towards her degree in Education at the University of Lethbridge, attending night classes as she continued working. She spent over 30 years teaching mostly in the Grade One class and finishing her full time career as a Grade Two teacher. Mildred received an Excellence in Teaching Award, being nominated by her peers for her dedication and commitment to education. Following her retirement, she continued as a substitute teacher in surrounding colonies and schools. Mildred was a beloved teacher to countless students and many considered her their “favourite teacher”. After her rewarding teaching career, she travelled extensively. Her love of travel took her to parts of Europe, Asia, and North and South America. Mildred found her greatest joy in her family. She was such a loving Mom and Grandma who was very supportive, helpful and protective of her family. Her grandchildren meant the world to her and she spent many hours reading to them, playing with them and always creating an opportunity to learn something new. She was her grandchildren’s biggest fan, being present at all hockey, volleyball, basketball, and track events. Mildred was actively involved with the United Church in Foremost, and the Foremost Senior Citizens organization. She would volunteer countless hours, whether it being serving at pancake suppers, working at the rodeo booths, doing highway cleanup, and making coffee at the senior centre. She was always willing to lend a hand, had such a kind heart, and was very generous. Mildred had such a “green thumb” and her back yard was always blooming with beautiful colours. Many were recipients of her bountiful garden. Mildred is survived by her husband Doug Piper; son Rod (Simone) Piper of Foremost; granddaughter Candace (Cody) Roome; grandsons Brandon Piper (Kayla Isleifson) and Austin Piper; and great-grandson Connor Roome. She is also survived by brother-in-law George Piper; sisters-in-law Lyn Dillenbeck and Linda Baziuk; as well as numerous very special nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Michael and Magdalena Roth; mother and father-in-law John and Ruthea Piper; sister Marion Collins; brother Michael Roth; as well as Merle Collins, Laurette Roth, and Bryan Dillenbeck. Mildred loved her community and in lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation, please do so to either the Foremost Community Hall, 802 1 Ave W, Foremost, AB T0K 0X0 or the Foremost Municipal Library,103 1 Ave E, Foremost, AB T0K 0X0. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Monday, February 5, 2018 at the FOREMOST COMMUNITY HALL, 802 – 1 Avenue West, Foremost, AB., with Reverend Terry Shillington, officiating. Interment will be held in the Foremost Cemetery.

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