TUESDAY, January 28, 2020

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 28, 2020.

RUTH LEANNA ELZINGA

Aug. 16, 1946 – Jan. 24, 2020

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of RUTH ELZINGA. She left us too soon and will be dearly missed. Ruth had a massive stroke in the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 22 and passed away peacefully on Friday, January 24, 2020, surrounded by her loving family.

She is mourned by her beloved husband of 55 years, Auke along with daughters, Candice (Shane Connelly) and Dana (Gavin McCaffrey), grandchildren, Bridget, Kierra and Ainsley, sister Faye (Lothian), and her nieces, nephews and their children.

Ruth was predeceased by her loving parents, Leo and Margaret Peters, her sister, Vangie (Heynen) and cousin, Linda (Cohen).

Ruth was born in Coaldale and moved to Lethbridge as a young girl. She graduated from Winston Churchill High School where she was later inducted into their Hall of Fame for her years of service to this community.

She was a vital volunteer with a massive heart and generous spirit. She served as a School Trustee from 1981 to 1986 and as an Executive of the Alberta School Trustee Association (ASTA). Ruth was then elected as an Alderman where she served two terms from 1986 to 1992. Ruth worked extensively with the City of Lethbridge Health Unit and on the National Board of Directors for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). She was also recognized by the Alberta Human Rights Commission for leadership taken in providing Aboriginal representation on municipal boards, commissions and committees. Following her years on council, Ruth continued her public service on the Regional Health Authority, Health Professionals Advisory Board and many other boards and committees.

Ruth was an active Member of First Baptist Church, serving on the Board of Deacons, and loved the time she spent studying the scriptures with her weekly Bible Group. As a young mother, she enjoyed the friendship of her Sorority Sisters (Beta Sigma Phi) and often spoke of fond memories and good friends.

Ruth was a woman with a deep faith that gave her enormous strength and compassion for others. She touched the lives of all she knew with her kindness, generosity and exuberant personality. A beloved wife, cherished mother, doting grandmother, loving sister and loyal friend, Ruth was a pillar of strength for both her immediate and extended family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 1614 – 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Dr. Bruce Martin officiating. A Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to World Vision (donate.worldvision.ca) or Operation Smile (operationsmile.ca/please-give/), charities close to Ruth’s heart.

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

VERNA CECILIA HAWLEY

June 11, 1933 – January 12, 2020

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Verna Hawley, beloved wife of the late Allan (Al) Hawley, at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge on Sunday, January 12, 2020 at the age of 86 years.

Verna is survived by her children; Gloria (Larry) Silsbe, Darlene Hawley, Colleen (Doug) de Casmaker and Wes (Diane) Hawley; grandchildren Shawn (Mini) Silsbe, Kayla (Ryan) Silsbe, Scott (Chelsea) de Casmaker, Amanda (James) Fehr and Melissa (Derek) Fehr; great-grandchildren; Nevaeh, Hayden and Piper de Casmaker. She is also survived by her sister Cecilia (Ron) Chapman of Lethbridge; Sister-in-laws Ilda Robblee, Rose Hawley and Sylvia Forczek. As well as numerous nieces and nephews and other extended family and friends. Verna also leaves behind her caregiver and best friend Evangeline Wagang.

Verna was predeceased by her loving husband Allan in 2010; grandson Matthew in 2006. Also her parents Stanley and Ludwika Forczek, siblings Mary, Dancha and Stanley; and her life-long best friend Sophie Shiels in 2019; as well as many other family members and friends.

Verna was born in Lethbridge on June 11, 1933 and raised and educated in Lethbridge. Mom married Dad on July 28, 1952 and in 1953 started their family raising four children. In August 1960 Mom and Dad started Al Hawley Trucking which is still operating today by their son Wes.

Verna will be remembered as a loving and amazing wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt and friend. Her door was always open to anyone that wanted to have a meal, a cup of coffee or just a shoulder to lean on. Mom enjoyed gardening, baking, playing crib, and most recently Poker Dice. She and Dad loved dancing and camping in their younger days.

Mom will be remembered for her kind heart, her witty sense of humor and her words of wisdom that she loved to share with everyone. She was strong in her faith and faced life’s challenges, especially in her later years, with grace and dignity, never complaining.

Mom will be deeply missed by all that knew and loved her.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 1st, 2020 at ST. AUGUSTINE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH – 411 – 11 ST South, Lethbridge, Alberta at 1:00 P.M. with Canon James Robinson officiating.

Condolences may be forwarded to the family at http://www.willowcreekfuneralhome.com

UNGER

SUSIE UNGER, beloved wife of the late John J Unger, of Coaldale, passed away peacefully at home, on Saturday, January 25, 2020. Her heart’s desire to meet her Saviour face to face has now been realized.

Susie will be laid to rest in the COALDALE CEMETERY; close friends are welcome to join the family on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 10:00 A.M.

A Service of Remembrance will follow at COALDALE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH, 2114 – 18 Street, Coaldale, AB, at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Gary Burke officiating.

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

ZONTA

EUPHEMIA “FAY” JANE ZONTA, the beloved wife of the late Dino Zonta, passed away at the Fairmont Extendicare in Lethbridge on Friday, January 24th, 2020, at the age of 89 years.

A Graveside Service will be held at MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY, Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, on Saturday, February 1st at 1:00 P.M. Family & friends wishing to attend are to meet at the Eternal Flame at the entrance of the cemetery and the procession in will start at 12:55 P.M.

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

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