SATURDAY, January 11, 2020

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 11, 2020.

AKROYD

ELIZABETH “LIZ” SUSAN AKROYD of Lethbridge passed away on Saturday, January 4th 2020 at the age of 85 years.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Cindy (Rick) Walton and Wendy (Kerry) Hunka as well as her grandchildren, David (Kris) Walton, Paul (Jackie) Hunka, Mike (Laura) Walton, Lisandra (Matt) Hunka and Matt (Macy) Walton.

Liz was predeceased by her daughter, Dee Anna Akroyd in March 2019.

Liz was an amazing cook and will be fondly remembered by all for her fabulous cooking and baking which she did at home as well as at her popular local restaurant, “Liz’s Lunches”.

One of her greatest passions in life were her gardens in Lethbridge and at her cabin in Montana. She devoted countless hours planting, weeding and watering at both properties and enjoyed the beautiful results of her loving care.

Liz was a kind and generous person with a witty sense of humour. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Liz’s family would like to thank all the people who helped take care of her these last several months. Special thanks to all the staff on 3B at the Chinook Regional Hospital and at Sunny South in Coaldale for their compassionate care.

A private family service will be held in Montana at a later date.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

BARBRA PAUN (WENTZ)

February 1943 – December 29, 2019

With sadness we announce the unexpected passing of Barbara Paun, our loving, devoted mother and friend to all whose lives she touched, on December 29, 2019 in her home. Born in Davidson, Saskatchewan, she spent her formative years living in Regina enjoying the open space and prairie skies. In 1960 she met her husband while on a double date, but John was not her date! She and John were married 3 years later after much convincing from here future groom. While living in Regina five children were born, Kurtis, the first born died in infancy. They then decided to go on an adventure with four youngsters to find a safe place to raise their four children. This adventure lead them to Calgary, Golden, BC and then finally making their new “home” in Faro, Yukon in 1970. She and John had found the perfect place to raise their children that was a true “community”, and where parents could trust that others would watch over them and discipline them accordingly. This was a wonderful blessing for Barb, but not so much for her kids! John was unable to discipline anyone, except for the words “smarten up a little bit kids” She wasn’t impressed at all with those words. In 1981 they returned to the prairies to the Town of Taber, where they lived until their passing. Barb lived a full life as a wonderful mother, homemaker and worker in the restaurant sector. She loved to cook, kept an immaculate house, was highly skilled at crossword puzzles, and a determined card player. She was an active member of the Taber Seniors Club, where she spent many hours with her closest friends. She was proud of the work she did there. In her younger days, she enjoyed her weekly outings to the local bowling alley, and was a very competitive baseball player being the best pitcher in her league. She was a die-hard Montreal Habs fan and took joy in every win. Most of all she loved her family and instilled in her children and grandchildren with strong values that have served them well. She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts. She leaves behind her children Sandra (Mike) of Whitehorse, Yukon, Scott (Sue) of Taber, AB, Stacey (Belinda) of Lethbridge, AB and Kelly (Amy) of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren Jillian (Josh), Brittany, Robyn, David, Braeden, and Hunter-Lea. She was looking forward to the arrival of her great-granddaughter in May 2020. Barb is also survived by her sisters Margaret and Theresa and brother Leonard all of Regina, SK. She was preceded by her beloved husband John, her infant son Kurtis, her mother and father Marion and Joseph Wentz. Cornfest was Barb’s favorite weekend of the summer. As per her request, the family will hold a celebration life Cornfest weekend in August 2020.

Janet Groeneweg

1938 – 2020

Mrs. Janet Groeneweg of Monarch, beloved wife of Mr. Marinus Groeneweg passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, January 10, 2020 at the age of 81 years. Funeral Arrangements will be announced when completed.

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

COURTNEY GRUNINGER

2001 – 2020

Miss Courtney Gruninger of Picture Butte passed away tragically in a car accident, on Monday, January 6, 2020 at the age of 18 years. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at BETHEL FREE REFORMED CHURCH OF MONARCH, 6 Eastman Road, Monarch, Alberta, with Pastor Eric Moerdyk, officiating. A graveside service will follow in the Royal View Cemetery, 5920 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta.

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

HOFMAN

ELEANOR JOYCE HOFMAN went home to be with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, on January 8, 2020 at age 87.

Eleanor was born to Ben and Mabel Wainman on June 20, 1932 on the family farm near Pambrun, SK. In 1950, Eleanor attended Robertson Secretarial College in Saskatoon. She then worked at James Richardson (Saskatoon), CFB Suffield (Medicine Hat) and the Agricultural Research station in Lethbridge.

Eleanor met her husband, Dick Hofman, in 1955 while living in Medicine Hat. They married one year later on June 30, 1956. In 1961, after a few years living in Lethbridge, they located to their acreage outside of Nobleford. In 1990, they moved to Lethbridge to enjoy their retirement years. They had three children: Wayne, Sandra and Linda.

In addition to being a dedicated and loving mother, Eleanor also loved working in her gardens, staying actively involved in her church, and helping family, friends, and neighbours. Throughout her entire life, she held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her.

Eleanor joins her parents, and her sisters Eileen and Elaine in Heaven. She is survived by her husband, Dick, her brother Bill (Swift Current), her children, Wayne, Sandra (Garth), Linda (Rob); her grandchildren, Nicole (Corey), Megan (Chris), Taylor (Hannah), Shane, and Danielle; and finally, three great grandchildren that were very precious to her, Emery, Lennon and Elliot.

She will be greatly missed by many relatives, friends and neighbours.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution can be made to the charity Effect Hope (effecthope.org)

A Remembrance Service for Eleanor will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor John Moerman officiating.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Joseph Raymond Smith

December 16, 1921 – January 5, 2020

Joseph Raymond Smith, 98, passed through the veil on January 5, 2020, in Ashland Oregon. Joe was born to loving parents Raymond Smith and Mary Louise Alston in Magrath, Alberta, Canada, on December 16, 1921, and enjoyed the open spaces and big skies of southern Alberta with his siblings Leonard, Alice, Marie, and Gordon into his teenage years

After graduating from West High School in Salt Lake City, Utah, Joe worked as a carpenter and head spinner at the Golden Fleece Woolen Mills in Alberta before joining the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. While in the Army Air Forces, Joe graduated 1st in his class at the Communication (electronics) school and served as an electronics instructor earning the rank of Sargent.

After being honorably discharged from the Army, Joe was called to an LDS mission in Southern Brazil where he adeptly served as Branch President, District President, Mission Secretary, Welfare Director, and Interpreter.

Upon return from his mission, Joe married Alice Zemp in the Cardston Alberta Temple. He then attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, graduating with a Master of Arts degree in Accounting. Joe, Alice, and their 3 children (Gordon, Kent, and Jorae) eventually relocated to Hawaii where he chaired the Division of Business as an original faculty member of Brigham Young University – Hawaii in Laie Oahu. While residing in Hawaii, Joe was a driving force behind the creation and founding of the Polynesian Cultural Center, including the publication of a Polynesian coloring book and a tourist guidebook, served as Bishop of the Laie ward, received his Doctor of Education degree in Business from Colorado State College, and witnessed the birth of 3 more children (Loretta, Raymond, and Shari).

In 1964, Joe relocated his family to Ashland Oregon where he was employed by Southern Oregon University as a professor in Accounting and Taxation until retiring with emeritus status in 1990.

Joe married Carolina Maria Timor in 1982, raising daughter Yazmine and enthusiastically pursuing mutual hobbies and interests throughout their life together.

During his life, Joe was an extremely energetic and industrious individual. With adroit and entrepreneurial skill, Joe founded multiple and diverse commercial enterprises ranging from carpentry and textiles to education and tax consulting (earning IRS enrolled agent status) to numerous brick-and-mortar and online retail businesses.

Joe was an accomplished carpenter. He loved working with wood, building the house he resided in for 55 years and marveling people with his clever woodworking skills.

Joe reveled in the pleasures of rural life: chopping wood; raising cows, chickens, pigs; growing fruits and vegetables; milking cows; churning his own butter and ice cream; grinding his own wheat; baking his own bread and pastries; and, more recently, feeding humming birds and wildlife from his deck.

Joe had insatiable sweet tooth. He enjoyed maple bars and cinnamon rolls in the morning, assorted candies throughout the day, and cherished a cold Coca-Cola after a hard day’s work.

Throughout his life, Joe held an unwavering faith in, and devotion to, the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His loving spirit, caring personality, captivating storytelling, and intellectual wit will be sorely missed in this realm but eagerly awaited in the next.

Joe is survived by his spouse Carolina Smith; his children Gordon (Linda) Smith, Kent Smith, Jorae (Mark) Scofield, Loretta Backstrom, Raymond (Georgina) Smith, Shari Griffin, and Yazmine (Mike) Arringtion; 14 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren.

Funeral and memorial services are being arranged by Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home. Follow http://www.litwillersimonsen for viewing, memorial service, and burial information.

Flowers and condolences can be delivered to Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home located at 1811 Ashland Street, Ashland, Oregon 97520. Alternatively, memorial donations can be sent to The Dr. Joseph R. Smith Endowed Scholarship Fund at Brigham Young University – Hawaii. Follow https://ldsp-pay.ldschurch.org/donations/byu-hawaii?funds=30221008 to donate.

Arrangements: Litwiller-Simonsen Funeral Home, Ashland, Oregon. http://www.litwillersimonsen.com

Elsie Kaval

1935 – 2020

Mrs. Elsie Jean Kaval of Coaldale, beloved wife of the late Mr. Bill Kaval passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at the age of 84 surrounded by her family. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, January 11, 2020, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. A private family Graveside Service will be held prior to the Memorial Service. Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 1510 2 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0G1, or The Canadian Cancer Society, 315 10 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2M7.

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

KRUGER

WILLIAM “BILL” JOHN KRUGER, beloved husband of Dora Kruger, passed away at home in Raymond, on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at the age of 67 years.

At Bill’s request, no formal funeral will be held.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

LE BIGOT

JEAN MARIE ALBERT LOUIS “STEVE” LE BIGOT, of Lethbridge passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on December 30, 2019 with his family by his side.

He is lovingly remembered by his daughter, Andrea Bragg of Taber, his granddaughter, Kaela Elaine Corazza (Dino) of Lethbridge, his great- grandchildren, Abigail Shea and Frankie Rose Corazza of Lethbridge and William Scott Bragg. Also left to cherish his memory are his brothers, Joel Felix and Daniel Le Bigot.

Steve was predeceased by his beloved wife Rosel, son Michael Dieter, parents Emilienne Marie and Albert Felix, his brother Gilles Emile Omer and son-in-law Kelly Douglas Jacobson.

Steve was born in Livarot, France and emigrated to Canada with his family in March, 1948 when he was 6 years old. Upon graduation he continued his studies at the Montreal Institute of Technologies for 3 years. He joined the RCMP in 1961 but soon changed fields, joining the military and becoming a member of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (December 1961 to May 1976). When stationed in Germany, he married the love of his life, Rosel Stadke, on September 16, 1966 and they eventually had two children. The family moved back to Canada on November 24, 1969.

After leaving the forces, he spent 30 years on the road providing for his family. He drove for many great companies including Westcan Bulk Transports, Robins Transport and Trimac with proudly, not a ticket to his name. Steve and Rosel spent 44 years together before her untimely passing in 2012.

Steve enjoyed building and flying remote control airplanes with his two best buddies, Al and Wally. He also found that playing chess with friends and family online, constantly challenged his skills. He loved to read and told great stories; the adventure about when he sat on a bench beside Carl Sagan was told over and over.

However, his most precious jewels were his family and he was blessed to spend his later years always surrounded by them. Munchkin and Abbie brought many smiles to his face but his “Tweet” and her love for him knew no bounds.

Steve was a strong man, lived and played by his own rules. He will be greatly missed and his memories cherished forever.

Private family service will be held at a later date.

“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that an airplane takes off against the wind, not with it”

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

MORRISON

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of PATRICIA ANN (CORBETT) MORRISON, at the Chinook Regional Hospital, Lethbridge, Alberta on December 6, 2019. “Patty”, as she was lovingly known by her family and friends, was 81 years old.

Patty, the eldest child of the late Edward and Patricia Ann (Jessome) Corbett, was born in Sydney, Nova Scotia on July 30, 1938. She was educated at Holy Angels High School by the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame (CND’s) in the days of the black robes and the blue uniforms.

As a teen, Patty was a competitive Highland Dancer, following in her mother’s footsteps, herself a former Champion dancer. Patty learned to play the Bagpipes as a member of the 1st Sydney Girls Pipe Band. During the summer months Patty and her Mom spent weeks at the Gaelic College in St. Ann’s, Cape Breton, Mom teaching Highland Dancing while Patty followed piping and dancing studies.

When the Canso Causeway was officially opened in 1955, Patty had the honor of being a member of the MacDonald 100 Pipe Band that played and marched across the causeway as part of the ceremony. The band, was composed of Cape Breton Highlander (Army) pipers and Pipe Bands from all over Nova Scotia. The opening of the Canso Causeway was of major significance to Cape Breton culturally, politically, and economically. Some Cape Bretoners still refer to the causeway opening as “the day that Canada joined Cape Breton.”

Following graduation from High school, Patty was employed with Maritime Telephone and Telegraph Company. It was during this time that she met the love of her life, Norman. In 1959 they married and began to build a married life, the foundation of which was to be unity and fidelity. At that time the couple moved to Amherst, Nova Scotia where they, and their beloved son, Alan, lived until Norman’s work transfer to Halifax in 1965. While living in Halifax, Patty was employed for 22 years by Simpsons, and then The Bay.

Patty and Norman retired to Fredericton, New Brunswick in 1989. In 1998, wanting to be closer to their son Alan who was established and working in Alberta, and having been attracted to the western lifestyle via some visits to such events as the Calgary Stampede, Patty and Norman moved to Lethbridge, Alberta where they have lived for the past 21 years. After moving there, they established themselves as active community members through involvement in a number of community activities including volunteering at the Salvation Army Food Bank for a period of 7 years. It was here, in Lethbridge that on August 22, 2019 Patty and Norman celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Patty had the heart of a true Cape Bretoner – outgoing and generous by nature, friendly, kind and considerate of others, with that dry Caper sense of humor and a delightful laugh, she was immediately “likeable” by all who met her, and “loveable” by all who knew her.

Besides her husband and son, Patty is survived by her sisters, Terry Albright and Barbara (Paul) Morrison; brother Michael (Shirley); nephews Kevin, Daniel, and Jamie Corbett, Adam Morrison, and niece Leanne Morrison.

The feeling of loss and sorrow is heavy – and can only be overcome by embracing a sense of gratitude for having enjoyed, in this journey called life, such a loving and loveable wife, mother, sister and aunt.

Norman says it best: “She was, my co-pilot, my navigator, my anchor, and my guiding light throughout our many happy years together. Making friends came naturally and effortlessly to her. She was so loving and thoughtful. She will always find herself lovingly embraced in our hearts and memories.”

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service and inurnment will take place in the spring.

In Patty’s memory donations can be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 – 19 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 1W5.

Condolences may be sent through http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

GUN ROBH FOIS AICE AN DIA … MAY SHE REST WITH GOD

ORCUTT

Nov. 26, 1921 – Jan. 8, 2020

LLOYD ORCUTT, of Lethbridge, passed away at Good Samaritan’s West Highland Centre, on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at the age of 98 years.

He leaves to mourn his daughters, Colleen (Ernie) Boucher of the Crowsnest Pass, AB, Shelley (George) Goertzen of Crossfield, AB and Patti Wright of Coaldale, Alberta and daughter-in-law Dana Orcutt of Coaldale, Alberta. He was also survived by six grandchildren: Russel (Lisa) Orcutt, Megan (Tony) Curtis, Shanda (Kent) Strandquist, Kara (Dean) Civitarese, Nadawn (Dwayne) Fehr and Darry (Blaga) Goertzen; and 14 great- grandchildren: Brody and Mackenzie Curtis, Colton Talbot, Braydon, Cody and Londyn Strandquist, Chase and Zoe Civitarese, Calvin and Riley Fehr, Coleman, Ariana, Brianna and Tatiana Goertzen.

Lloyd was predeceased by his wife, Maude Orcutt in 2014, son, Darrel Orcutt, parents, Harry and Flo Orcutt, sisters, May (Orville) Webb and Pearl (Les) Cunningham and a baby boy at birth, Gregory Lloyd Orcutt and Gord Danielson 2018. He was a loving father and friend to all. He loved anything chocolate, farming, fishing, playing cards and travelling over the years. Arizona winters were always a highlight socializing with friends and family.

At Lloyd’s request, a private service will be held.

We would like to thank the staff at Good Samaritan’s West Highland Cottage for their loving care that our Dad received during his time there. Any donations can be made to The Good Samaritan Society West Highlands Centre Cottage, 2687 Garry Drive W, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 5A3.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

SPACKMAN

CLARA ACKROYD MATKIN SPACKMAN, beloved wife of the late Grant Matkin and after his passing the late Fred Spackman, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, in Cardston, AB, a few days before her 96th birthday.

Clara is survived by her 6 children, Jim (Cheri) Matkin of Vancouver, B.C., Kathy (Alan) Palmer, of Cardston, Tom (Betty) Matkin of Cardston, Phil (Eileen) Matkin of Calgary, Shelley (Mark) Peterson of Rigby, Idaho, and Lisa (Greg) Maxwell of Magrath and by 28 grandchildren and 72 great grandchildren and was predeceased by her husbands, her 8 siblings and one grandchild.

Clara was born in Magrath and raised on a family farm in Hartley, AB. She attended high school in Cardston where she met and married Grant Matkin. She and Grant had a happy marriage and raised their children to love the Lord and serve others. She loved the outdoors, hiking and fishing and later became an avid golfer and liked to compete with her friends. She had a passion for life and lately stayed active doing quilting, pottery, needlework of all sorts, handicrafts and jig saw puzzles right up to the end. After Grant’s passing in 2001 she served a mission and then married Fred and they enjoyed five years of sweet companionship until his death in 2008.

Throughout her life she was a devoted and faithful member, teacher, leader and missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She set a wonderful example for her posterity and her positive smiling disposition will be happily remembered and deeply missed by her many friends and family. “REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE!”

Friends may meet the family at the Legacy Funeral Home on Sunday, January 12th, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. or at the Church on Monday, January 13th from 12 to 12:45 p.m. prior to the Service. The Funeral Service will be held in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cardston, Alberta Stake Centre (338 5th Ave. E.) in Cardston on Monday, January 13th, at 1:00 p.m. Interment in the Cardston Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent at: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

Jo Tolton
1926 – 2019
The family of Josephine Ida Tolton, sadly announce that we have lost our dear mother, grandmother and friend to all. After a tough battle with dementia, Jo passed peacefully on New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at the Linden View Care Centre in Taber on at the age of 93 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, January 24, 2020 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at 2:00 P.M. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Jo is survived by her children Brenda Loftus of Creston, British Columbia, Dwight Tolton (Barb Norgard) of Lethbridge and Gordon (Rose) Tolton of Coaldale; grandchildren Jena, Sarah, John, Rory (Tanya), Chelsea, Robyn (Devon Macleod) and Brittany (Mike) Baines; spirit granddaughter Angie (John) Fehr and their children Taya and Tysen; great grandchildren Warren, Ayla, Logan, Riley, Elijah, Zachary, John, Mona and Justine. She will also be missed by her sister-in-law Dickie (Peter) Engelson and special family member Sandy Skeith.
She was predeceased by her husband Glenn Tolton in 1997; daughter-in-law Janet Tolton (nee Slawson); son-in-law John Loftus; great granddaughter Mariah; siblings of herself and Glenn as well as several nieces and nephews.
Jo was born June 3, 1926 on the farm of her parents, Stephen and Catherine Volk, south of Grassy Lake. She was the youngest of five sisters Mary Degenstein, Katie (Van) Duncombe, Frances (Wilf) Fairless, Martha (Pete) Salamandyk and Bertha Volk; four brothers Joe Volk, Tony (Ida) Volk, Andrew Volk and Johnny (Phyllis); a large family spawning numerous nieces, nephews and descendants from the Volk tree.
Jo attended the Deer Park School District near Grassy Lake, and later attended school in Banff. After leaving school, she returned to Grassy Lake and worked as a cook on threshing crews and a nearby coal mine. In the early 1940’s, she moved to Taber to live on her own and work at the Palace Hotel Café, where she met her future husband, Glenn Tolton.
Jo and Glenn were married in Kimberly, British Columbia on March 4, 1950. They began their lives together in Milk River, operating a service station and repair garage, later moving to Coutts in 1953, to operate Sunshine Service. While in Coutts, their three children Brenda, Dwight and Gordon were born. The family returned to the Taber-Vauxhall area in 1967 to farm with relatives in the CY district, and in 1975, started their own farm in the nearby area.
Jo and Glenn retired to Vauxhall in 1992. Wherever they lived, Jo and Glenn were incredibly social, community involved and maintained a wealth of lifelong friendships. After Glenn’s passing, Jo remained in Vauxhall until 2011 when she moved to Lethbridge. With advancing health challenges, Jo found her last home at Linden View in Taber.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Jo’s name may be made directly to the Good Samaritan Society, Linden View, 4700 – 64 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 0C6.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

IRENE MOYER ZALESKI

1943 – 2020

Irene passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on January 10, 2020. She is survived by her Partner Al Brewin, 3 Sons, 5 Sisters and 1 Brother. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. She will be Dearly missed by her Family and Friends.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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