TUESDAY, November 3, 2020

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on November 3, 2020.

BENUSIK

EDWARD “BENNY” JOSEPH BENUSIK passed away peacefully at Piyami Lodge in Picture Butte, AB, on Sunday, November 1, 2020 at the age of 80 years.

Benny will be laid to rest in the family section of the Lumini Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

CAMPBELL

STEVEN MICHAEL CAMPBELL, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at the age of 62 years.

Steven was born in Toronto, Ontario on November 16th, 1957 and grew up in the Lethbridge area. He had various jobs before deciding driving truck was his passion. His driving career ended with VersaCold due to health reasons.

He is survived brother David Campbell and his children Nicole and Riley (Meghan) Campbell; sister Bonnie Morin and her daughter Lisa (Jason) Plausteiner; great-nieces Alyssa and Michel Plauseinter, and Kiarra Charlton.

He was predeceased by his mother Ethel Campbell; stepfather Bert Baker, brother Larry Campbell and niece Christine Plausteiner.

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

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steven’s name to the Kidney Foundation (kidney.ca/donate)

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Cecilia Helene Chapman (Forczek)

September 4, 1934 – October 28, 2020

God came for our beloved earth angel, Cec Chapman, in the early morning hours of Wednesday, October 28, 2020. For 86 years, we were blessed to have our extraordinary wife, mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She taught us the definition of love by living it, and she was an energetic ball of love! She was kind, caring, loving, giving, funny, wise, understanding and generous to all. Giving was Cec’s greatest joy. From her famous cupcakes, thousands of cookies and chocolates at Christmas, and hundreds of beautiful garden bouquets. Cec was sunshine and joy to all who knew and loved her.

Cecilia (Cec) leaves to mourn Ron, her best friend, soul mate and husband of 66 years, her beloved children Cindy (Marc) Sabourin, Deanna (Leonard) Mueller, Linda Chapman, and her precious grandchildren Jillian Sabourin and Courtney (Dula) Mediwake, Craig (Lindsay) Mueller, Ryan (Amber) Mueller, Christine (Mike) Mueller-Stephenson, and Samantha (Ryan) Payne. She also leaves 12 beautiful great- grandchildren: Oscar, Eric and Earl, Bridgette, Summer, Autumn, Zack, Zane, and Xavier, Max and Olivia, and Brooke. Cec was predeceased by her parents Ludvika and Stanley Forczek, sisters Mary Boumberger, Danny Devereaux, Verna Hawley, brother Stanley Forczek, one infant daughter and one infant granddaughter.

Cec was born in St. Michael’s Hospital in Lethbridge on September 4, 1934, the last of five children in her family. She attended St. Basil’s, St. Patrick’s, and St. Joseph’s High School, graduating in 1952. She met the love of her life while working at the Canada Trust Company in Lethbridge. Cec and Ron were introduced in August of 1954 and were married on December 22, 1954 at St. Anne’s Cathedral in Great Falls, Montana.

Cec was a person who was always active and enjoyed life to the fullest. Her piano talent was discovered at the age of six and she often said she got the gift of playing by ear from her Patron Saint Cecilia. She loved playing the organ at her beloved Saint Patrick’s Church before it was built into the structure it is today. She sang like a meadowlark and loved performing in school plays as well as many choirs, especially the St. Patrick’s choir. Her talent was used all her life from playing at school functions, concerts, parties, and later entertaining senior citizens with her daughter Linda, and most recently playing at her beloved Bridges program. Cec was an incredibly talented seamstress. She sewed clothing for her three daughters and often times a matching outfit and coat for herself. Many will remember the four of them in the front row at Assumption Church, all decked out in hats and gloves in the 1960’s. Cec’s daughters always had the most amazing Halloween handsewn costumes ranging from lions and panda bears to Little Bo Peep and Raggedy Anne and Andy. Cec also sewed hundreds of costumes for childrens’ plays at Assumption School over the 10 years the girls attended.

Cec’s Catholic faith was a huge part of her life, beginning in grade 2 when she was asked to crown the Blessed Virgin Mary in a very sacred occasion, one that she still spoke of near the end of her days. Mass was never missed on Sundays. Priests were always visiting the house and joining us for supper or just hanging out. Many became lifelong friends. She also loved going on retreats to the Mount Saint Francis Retreat in Cochrane Alberta and most times would be with all three of her daughters over the last 35 years. Cec also had the beautiful voice of a songbird and enjoyed many years with the Saint Patrick’s senior choir. She was also a member of Saint Michael’s Auxiliary, and the Catholic Woman’s League of Assumption Parish. Her three daughters still fondly remember the Teas and Bazaars that were held in the hall. She was always a willing volunteer and canvasser for the Cancer Society for many years as well as other organizations.

As the girls grew up, Cec decided that it might be fun to work part-time and started working as Secretary for Saint Patrick’s Elementary School. What started out a few days a week turned into half-time for the next 24 years, with her last three years being full-time. She absolutely adored the children and felt that “It was important to be there for the children, to have open arms if they needed a shoulder to cry on, or someone to talk to.” As one principal put it, “She is Saint Patrick’s School.”

The Chapman house was always full of friends from the girl’s schools, from elementary, up to university and beyond. Cec was the kind of mom that had open arms and a listening ear for all of the girls’ friends, and she was like a mom to all.

While the girls were still at home, Ron and Cec loved traveling with their three daughters. Every summer was a new trip to somewhere, be it California, Disneyland, Victoria, Vancouver, or visiting family in Colorado.

When it was time to retire, Cec and Ron travelled to Europe, Barbados, cruised through the Panama Canal and several trips to Maui, their favorite Hawaiian Island. They also had some adventures as well with fishing buddies to Gordon Lake in the Northwest Territories, BC on Sonora Island and all the local great fishing lakes most weekends. They caught a few championship fish along the way!

Cec and Ron were both raised in Lethbridge and raised their family here. They enjoyed many family gatherings together. They loved to garden, renovate, boat and fish, and had many wonderful pet dogs for years that were more like children. Cec could be seen pushing the lawnmower at 60/mph like nobody’s business! She had boundless energy and strength, and loved her yard and flowers, especially her beautifully fragrant lilacs and a special pink pussy willow tree. Cec and Ron have been blessed to spend 66 years together with their amazing family, wonderful friends, and many many beautiful memories.

Flowers are gratefully declined.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00AM on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 12th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta with Father Derek Remus, celebrant. The family invites you to watch the service via livestream by going to https://www.mbfunerals.com/ and clicking on Cecilia’s obituary.

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

CRAZY BULL

SONNY CRAZY BULL, son of Shelley Crazy Bull and the late Eddie Little Shields Jr, passed away in Calgary, AB on October 23rd, 2020 at the age of 42 years old. The Family Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 4th from 5:00 – 6:00 pm. The Wake Service will be held at the Tanner Senior’s Center (260 1 St W, Cardston) from 6:00 – 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home on Thursday, November 5th at 11:00 am. Interment in the Blood Band Cemetery.

To WATCH the service Online or to send condolences please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

John “Douglas” Graham

1930 – 2020

Mr. John “Douglas” Graham of Lethbridge passed away peacefully on Friday, October 30, 2020 at the age of 90 years.

Doug was born in Newboro, Ontario. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1948, serving for over 20 years. This took him across the country, as well as serving in England, Italy, and with the UN peacekeeping forces in Cyprus.

Doug is survived by his daughter Judy (Larry) Luffman and their children Jana and Adam (Tanya); great granddaughter Danielle Luffman; son Daryl (Kelly) Graham and their children Carter (Ivanka) and Madison; son Craig Graham and his children Brooke, Anna, Christopher, and Elise and grandson Mike Eason.

He was predeceased by his son William Graham.

At Doug’s request, he will be remembered privately by family and friends.

Flowers are gratefully declined., Those who wish may make a memorial donation to CNIB (formerly Canadian National Institute for the blind), 10 11a St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 4Z3.

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

JOSEPHINE CATHERINE

RINGDAHL

July 23, 1916 – October 28, 2020

Our hearts are aching as we bid farewell to an extraordinary woman who saw the good in all. Jo was raised in Strathmore, Alberta. She and Ralph (d. 1983) were very involved in the Vauxhall community where they raised their family. Jo moved to Vancouver in 2001. Time with her family and her strong network of dear friends was very precious to her throughout her life. Jo is survived by her loving children Sally, Jo (Don), Carl (Brenda nee McNally), Rita, Beth (Ian), her adored grandchildren Eric, Amy (Andrew), Laura (Tom) and David (Sara) and five great grandchildren Claire, Connor, James, Jamie and Grace. She was predeceased by son Richard and daughter-in-law Joan.

A private family Mass will be held at Guardian Angels Parish in Vancouver on Friday, November 6, at 11am PST. The family invites you to share your condolences or watch the service via a livestream link that will be posted on

Jo’s ashes will be interred in the Vauxhall cemetery beside her beloved husband, Ralph, who has been waiting patiently for 37 years. Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice or we ask you to perform acts of kindness as Jo would.

Condolences can be sent to http://gonebutnotforgotten.ca/lethbridge/2020/11/03/ringdahl-josephine/

KERBER

Mr. HANS DIETRICH “DICK” KERBER, beloved husband of Mrs. Yvonne Kerber of Claresholm, formerly of Lethbridge, passed away due to heart failure at the Fort Macleod Health Centre on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at the age of 84 years. Despite this failure, his beautiful, big heart loved so well and so many for many, many years.

In addition to his loving wife Yvonne, he is survived by his children: Carol and Ken VanRootselaar, Pat and Laura Budd, Brenda Kerber and Keith Rowe, and grandchildren: Nicole, Keith, and Anita VanRootselaar and Alex, Taylor and Lana Budd. He is also survived by his sisters, Frieda Regher of Innisfail and Linda Peterson of Surrey, B.C. as well as five nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents, Hugo and Hildegaard Kerber and nephew, Dirk Regher.

Dick was born April 29, 1936 in West Prussia, Germany. He spent his early childhood on the family farm in Vistula valley. The family was displaced to Northwest Germany in 1945 as a result of World War II. They emigrated to Canada in 1951 and settled on a small vegetable farm near Park Lake, Alberta.

Dick completed his high school education at Coalhurst school and enrolled in the Lethbridge Junior College in its first year of operation in 1957. Ten years later, he completed his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta. Dick was an elementary school teacher at County of Lethbridge schools for 32 years, most of them as Principal. He identified strongly with the parents of the students at these rural schools and appreciated their involvement in the schools, which often were the community centers. His leadership skills, sense of humor and love for his students were much appreciated by fellow staff and families.

In retirement, he continued to be active, enjoying gardening, handiwork, traveling on many cruises with Yvonne, and spending time with his grandchildren. Dick kept his hand in farming, initially at the family farms at Park Lake and Kipp and later at Claresholm and Kelliher, SK. Dick was actively involved in Christ Trinity Lutheran Church and the Lions Club. His favorite projects were: raising money for the Dog Guide program, sorting eyeglasses for the eyeglass campaign, driving the VIP blind bowlers to their regular outings, and transporting donated eyes to Calgary for transplant recipients.

Family was the most important thing for Dick. He loved and encouraged his three daughters and showed this by phoning, writing notes, writing checks, and driving to visit as often as he could. He loved and cherished each of his grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to attend their events from sports to a heavy metal music concert to a Masters dissertation. The family will cherish memories of his famous BBQ’s served with love and no shortage of food.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Small Family Service will be held on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. For those unable to attend, the service will be live streamed and may be accessed via Dick’s obituary on the Cornerstone Website. A Celebration of Dick’s Life will follow in the future.

Dick loved to write notes to encourage people, and if you wish, notes can be sent to the family at Box 2646, Claresholm, AB, T0L 0T0. Donations in his memory can be made to any of his favourite charities – Christ Trinity Lutheran Church (416 – 12 Street S, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2R4), Guide Dogs of Canada (www.dogguides.com/donate), or the VIP Bowlers (2911-13 Avenue S, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 0T2).

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

ROXIE ELMA MCCALLUM

(nee Leslie)

March 17, 1927 – October 26, 2020

Roxie passed away peacefully with family by her side. She died of natural causes which were not Covid related.

Roxie was the last of the Robert & Ada Leslie clan having been predeceased by her parents & all eight of her siblings. She is survived by her children & their families: Maureen; Doug & his wife, Johnna; Ian & wife Laurie; Greg & wife Ali. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Hunter McCallum; Tess Playfair; Nathan McCallum; Lisa McCallum; Kaleigh McCallum & Spencer McCallum. In addition, she is survived by eight great-grandchildren & numerous nieces & nephews. As in many families, there were parting of the ways but Roxie continued to think of Lynn McCallum & Rod MacNeil as her family. Our thanks to them for being so kind to her over the years. She was often included for dinner at Lynn and Mark’s home.

Roxie, known as Tiny to her siblings, was small of stature, but a force to be reckoned with. She lived life on her own terms & once she got an idea into her head, it was difficult to change her mind. She rarely sat still & even into her later years was constantly on the move. She loved to bake & had won baking contests at local, community fairs. In her younger years she was an excellent seamstress & often has a needle-work project of some description on the go. She had curiosity about spiritualism & different philosophies & would explore these interests by reading books or watching documentaries. Crossword books were always beside her favourite chair or her beside table & if there was nothing else to do, she would complete these puzzles. One of her great pleasures in her later years was to order a pizza & have a game of crib with Hunter.

We wish to extend a special thank you to many individuals who were kind & compassionate to Roxie during these past several months. The isolation created by Covid was difficult for her. We thank the staff at Seasons Retirement Home where she had resided for several years prior to being hospitalized in May. We thank the staff on Unit 5A at the Regional Hospital – they were instrumental in getting her back on her feet, literally. A special thank you to the recreational therapists on that Unit for ensuring that we got regular facetime visits. A thank you to the staff on Victoria Lane at Edith Cavell. Although Roxie was there a very short time, she told me that she was very comfortable. And, a very special thank you to her companion, Virginia, whose visits were interrupted by Covid. Roxie looked forward to these visits & missed the immensely.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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

Judy Pearson
1950 – 2020
 Judy Ann Pearson, beloved wife of the late Blake Donald Pearson, passed away on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at the age of 70 years.
 Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, November 5, 2020 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. Face masks will be required and available upon entry.
 As a result of the restrictions regarding COVID-19, and the government’s recommendations a private funeral service will be held at Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber on Friday, November 6, 2020. A public burial service will follow at the Taber Memorial Garden at 1:45 P.M. Please remember that only one hundred people are allowed to attend and anyone else will be required to remain in their vehicles. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
 Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Michael Sweet Grass Jr.

“Siipiapaaska” “Night Dancer”

1988 – 2020

Michael Kenneth Sweet Grass Jr. of Standoff, Alberta beloved husband of Sherri Sweet Grass, cherished son of Michael Sr. & Stephanie Sweet Grass, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at the age of 32 years.

A private Wake Service will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A private family Funeral Mass will take place on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at ST. BASIL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 13 St N, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant.

Interment will follow at the family plot in Standoff, Alberta.

The family invites you to watch the service via livestream by going to https://www.mbfunerals.com/ and clicking on Michael’s obituary.

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

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