SATURDAY, March 6, 2021

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 6, 2021.

Across The Mountain

JILLIAN WENDY ACROSS THE MOUNTAIN, passed away on February 28th, 2021 in Lethbridge, AB at the age of 59 years. A Private Family Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 9th at 11:00 am. (Due to COVID-19 – Only 20 people will be allowed in the building for the service.)

To send a condolence or Watch the Funeral please visit

http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca.

Gail Braun
1941 – 2021
 Gail Janice Braun, beloved wife of Henry Braun, passed away in Taber on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at the age of 79 years.
 A private service will be held at Southland Funeral Chapel. A private committal service will take place at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
 Gail is survived by her wonderful husband Henry and her children Warren (Cheryl), Blake (Marla), Chris and Carrie; Henry’s children, Dave, Brenda, Ron and families; grandchildren Tony (Dan), Jeff (Debbie), Kellen (Jess), Kyler (Sheila), Cariann, Josh (Bailey), Bailey, Megan and Beau and by three great grandchildren Liam, Grayson and Autumn. She is also survived by her siblings Cheryl Perkins and Rick Armstrong and families along with several nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins in the Armstrong, Brown and Taylor clans.
 She was predeceased by her parents Bert and Martha Armstrong and her siblings Carol Hanna and Larry Armstrong.
 Gail was born in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan on August 7, 1941. The oldest daughter of Bert and Martha Armstrong, Gail grew up a country girl in the hills of Saskatchewan between Eastend, Maple Creek and Ravenscrag. She attended teacher’s college and taught school for a few years north of Claydon, Saskatchewan prior to marrying and having four children.
 Gail devoted her life to her family and loved to garden, canning and freezing, working hard on the farm raising chickens, “boone and crocket turkeys” and cooking goodies and caring for everyone around her. She was used to always having a house full of cousins and neighbour kids, but this didn’t ever phase her. The more the merrier as long as our shenanigans didn’t hurt each other, she was more than tolerant of our great ideas of adventure! Gail was a very active  member of the Eastend Kinette Club for years and spent many hours at the Eastend skating rink for hockey and figure skating practices, without a single complaint, I don’t think she hardly ever missed being there in the stands for us.
 The family moved to Eastend in 1978 and Gail started to work away from the home. She thoroughly loved and got to know more people and spread her joy and kindness out and beyond in the community.
 Gail took up ceramics and spent many hours creating beautiful pieces at the Eastend Ceramic Club. She still continued to garden and loved to dance and travelled with a group of close friends to neighbouring communities, where she met Henry Braun in 1997.  After her niece Wendy deemed Auntie Gail’s house a red light district, putting a red light bulb on her porch, Gail and Henry married in 1998 and moved to Taber where they lived happily for twenty three years. While in Taber, they met some wonderful friends, at first travelling around the community dancing and visiting, later they became active members in a local church. They spent a lot of time with their Taber friends and family and would play games, cards and take turns hosting gatherings and always helping out their neighbours. They continued to have a huge garden which they shared with their friends, family and neighbours and as always, a beautiful yard adorned by beautifully manicured flowers. Gail also spent numerous hours tracking the family history and would always be up to date on all the new births. She kept the family history current for the next family reunion and updates for the family books.
 Gail was a sweet kind soul and touched the hearts of many people. Her kindness and sincerity are a legacy that will live on in her children and grandchildren and her memories will warm hearts forever.
 If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Gail’s name may be made directly to a charity of one’s choice.
 Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

WILLIAM ‘ROSS’ CHAMBERS

1927 – 2021

William ‘Ross’ Chambers of Vulcan, beloved husband of the Late Mary Chambers, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2021 at the Vulcan Community Health Centre at the age of 93 years.

Ross is survived by his children Helen Ann (Stan) Liebreich, Vicky (Mark) Koenig, Patti (Ted) Stokes, Debra (Ron) Magnuson, Michael (Roberta) Chambers, and daughter-in-law Sherry Chambers, 12 grandchildren, 18 great- grandchildren, a sister-in-law Renie Chambers and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Private Family Graveside service and interment was held at the Vulcan Cemetery.

Any tributes in Ross’ memory can be made to the Alzheimer Society of AB & NWT, #306, 10430 – 61 Ave, Edmonton, AB T6H 2J3 OR http://www.alzheimer.ca.

Arrangements in care of

Vulcan Funeral Home.

Telephone 1-403-485-2633.

E-mail condolences through http://www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca

DICKSON

FREDA LEONE DICKSON, beloved wife of the late Kenneth Dickson, passed away peacefully at Fairmont Extendicare, on Friday, March 5, 2021 at the age of 101 years.

Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Frodsham, Lovina Mae (nee Keeler)

December 20, 1928 – February 23, 2021

Lovina Frodsham passed away on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at the age of 92 years. Lovina will be lovingly remembered by her children Valerie (Orin) Harker of Okotoks, AB, Christine (Robert) Dernick of Houston, TX, and Joe (Maryanne) Frodsham of Dallas, TX; thirteen grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; brother Joseph Keeler of Magrath, AB; sister Ruth Johnson of Barnwell, AB; and many more family and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Lowell (2007) and son James (2015).

Lovina was born and raised in Magrath, AB. After High School, she attended Brigham Young University, graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Home Economics. While attending BYU, she met and married the love of her life, Lowell Frodsham. Following graduation, she worked as a dietician until she and Lowell began their family. Lovina and Lowell eventually settled in Calgary, AB, and were blessed with four children.

Lovina loved life and shared that joy with everyone she met. She adored her friends – reaching out to people far and near. She loved to entertain and enjoyed organizing wonderful events. She was a devoted, lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Indeed, her greatest loves were her family, her faith and her friends.

A Visitation will be held for Lovina at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 384 Banister Dr., Okotoks, AB on Friday, March 12, 2021 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Funeral services will be webcast on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at 10:00 am, please visit Lovina’s obituary at http://www.piersons.ca to join the webcast.

Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family at http://www.piersons.ca

GODWIN

Mrs. Julia (Julie) Anna Godwin passed away a year ago, on March 9, 2020 at the Edith Cavell Care Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Julie was born to the late Marie and Nick Burtney of Vonda, Sask on March 27, 1924, where she grew up on the family farm. She was the 5th of 10 children. Julie moved to Saskatoon to work when she was 20, and married the late Jack Clayton on May 31st, 1951. Together they had 3 children. After Jack retired they moved to Salt Spring Island, B.C., where they lived for 21 years. Julie seemed to have unlimited energy, which earned her the title “the Energizer Bunny” from one friend. While living in B.C. she enjoyed golfing, gardening, weaving, playing bridge and walking on the beach. Julie loved to cook, and enjoyed the availability of fresh salmon and crab. She was also a member of the Catholic Womens’ League for 60 years, from her time in Saskatoon until she died.

In 2000 Julie and Jack moved to Lethbridge to be closer to family. They were members of the Lethbridge Seniors’ Organization and continued to play bridge for a few years and Julie’s love of gardening was still evident with the beautiful flower and vegetable garden she created there.

Julie maintained her energy well into her 90s; she was still shoveling snow two days before she fell ill. On Dec. 26, 2017 Julie became ill and was taken to the hospital, where she stayed for two months before moving to Edith Cavell Care Home, where the staff took excellent care of her.

Julie is survived by her children Ken (Debra), Bob (Kathy) and Kim, as well as grandchildren Ryan (Ashey), Brian (Mai), Jonathan, Lisa (Jayden) and Mike(Brandy), and her great grandchildren Junpei and Noah. Since her death she has had two additional grandchildren, Wakana and Veronica. She is also survived by her sister Elisabeth Burtney of London, ON. Julie was predeceased by her husband in 2013, and her siblings Bill, Helen, Jean, Phyllis, Emily, Pauline and Marcel.

The most important thing in Julie’s life was her children – she could never stop mothering them. They miss her dearly.

Because of COVID no funeral was held. There will be a private ceremony when her children and grandchildren are able to gather.

DALE GOOLER

1935 – 2021

Dale Gooler, long time resident of Lethbridge, AB. and beloved husband of Edith Gooler passed away peacefully on February 28, 2021.

Along with his wife Edith, Dale is survived by his two children and their families, four siblings and their families, as well as numerous long-time friends and business associates.

Dale and Edith were long-term attendees of First Baptist Church. Dale spent many hours doing upgrades and repairs to the building.

Special thanks to Dr. Bruce Martin of First Baptist, as well as to the staff of the Chinook Regional Hospital and St. Michaels Palliative Care.

A family Graveside Service will be held at a later date at the family cemetery in Ohaton, AB.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Kidney Foundation of Canada

Suite 507, 740-4th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB. T1J 0N9

403-327-3635 • kidney.ca

Condolences can be sent to http://www.evergreenfh.ca

KNOX

MYRTLE HELEN KNOX, beloved wife of the late John Knox, passed away peacefully at Legacy Lodge with family by her side, on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at the age of 92 years.

At the family’s request, no funeral service will be held due to Covid-19.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

KUBIK

MARY ANN KUBIK passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at the age of 94 years.

Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

LITTLE SHIELDS

BOAZ OBADIAH LITTLE SHIELDS, of Calgary and formerly of Lethbridge, beloved companion of Shaila and father to Drayson, passed away suddenly in Calgary, on Sunday, February 28, 2021 at the age of 23 years.

Boaz is survived by his mother Rita Hill, sisters Etoile Hill, Mesha, Iscah and Kinza Little Shields, and Azriel Calahaison; brothers Job and Philemon Little Shields; niece and godchild Tenika Akau; grandma Marian Proc; grandpa Wayne Hill; uncles John Hill and Bill Carty; aunts Virginia Carty, Saraphine Black, and Melanie Red Crow; cousins Derrek and Matthew Carty, Heather and Therin Black, Dwayne Goforth and his best friend, Jeramy Chadney.

He is predeceased by his father, Eddie Little Shields Jr., an unnamed child and grandpa Jim Proc.

A Visitation will be held in Calgary on Monday, March 8, 2021, from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. For further details, please contact Cornerstone Funeral Home at 403-381-7777, or by email at care@cornerstonefh.ca.

A private Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. Boaz will be laid to rest with his father Eddie Little Shields Jr. in St. Catherine’s Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

MADSEN, BENT NORRELUND

Sept. 8, 1926 – Feb. 22, 2021

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our dad Bent at the age of 94. Dad was born in Horsens, Denmark and immigrated to Canada in 1951. Apprenticing as a bricklayer at age 15 lead to a lifelong journey in the building trade with engineering degrees in Denmark and later in Canada. He enjoyed a long career working well into his eighties. He completed many projects in Alberta and BC., the Town of Taber Civic Center being one of his favorites. He semiretired in the Cranbrook area in 1994, then moved back to Vancouver in 2013. Dad had a long and eventful life. He didn’t just dream about doing things he actually did them. He is and always will be sorely missed. He is survived by his children Kris, Susanne, Peter, Claus, Steven, Lena, Norman (Colin), his stepdaughter Diane (Kevin), 8 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his first wife Else, his son-in-law Alvin and his siblings Grete and Hans. In lieu of funeral services you may celebrate Bent’s life by making a donation to Diabetes.ca and by raising a glass (preferably beer) to toast his life. Skole! The family will take Dad’s ashes for a final boat ride when we are allowed to gather again.

Millie Ponjavic

1926 – 2021

Millie Ponjavic (nee Bebek) of Coalhurst, beloved wife of the late Ivan Ponjavic, passed away at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre in Lethbridge on Friday, February 26, at the age of 94 years.

A private Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 6, 2021 at St. Martha’s Roman Catholic Parish with Father William Monis, celebrant. The family invites those who wish to watch the service via livestream at https://www.mbfunerals .com/obituary/Millie-Ponjavic and scrolling to the bottom of Millie’s obituary.

Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to “Brain Diseases Research in Neuroscience” at the University of Lethbridge in memory of Millie Ponjavic, online at go.uleth.ca/give or by mail to University Advancement, A735-4401, University Drive W. Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4 or by calling 403-329-2582.

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

Eric Wirzba

1936- 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Eric Wirzba announce his passing on February 27, 2021 in Medicine Hat, Alberta at the age of 84 years.

Eric was born on May 3, 1936 in Martinshoehe, East Prussia to August and Olga Wirzba. He was the fourth oldest child of six children.

He is predeceased by his eldest sister Wilhelmine; older brothers Emil and Alex; younger brothers Guenther and Gary.

Eric leaves to cherish his memory of his wife of 60 years Ingrid; son Wally; daughter Marlies; daughter in law Anna; two grandsons Brett and Jaxon. He also leaves a brother-in-law, 5 sister in laws and numerous nieces and nephews.

Eric always sought opportunity and was proud to have worked early on for Dorigatti Construction and Horton Steel works. In 1973 he created a company alongside 2 of his brothers Emil and Alex incorporated as “Wirzba Bros. Construction.” It would remain in business for 30 years. In 1992, in partnership until his son Wally and daughter Marlies began a Tim Hortons franchise that continues to operate to the present.

Eric’s faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of his life. He was in involved in church early in his life at the encouraging of his parents. It meant a great deal to him seeing the faithfulness of his parents to God who had an enormous influence on him and the entire family. Eric was honored to be a member and serve in a myriad of roles at the Bethany Baptist Church in Lethbridge for 47 years. Recently he attended First Baptist Church in Lethbridge, he cherished the fellowship and desired to become more involved, but with declining health it made it more and more challenging. He was blessed by the monthly devotionals that Pastor Bruce would provide.

Eric lived a full life and was able to knock off quite a few of his bucket list items. Two of note were a holy land tour to Israel with his daughter Marlies, and an across Canada train ride with a lifelong friend from Germany. Eric enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, DIY projects around the house, going to Tim Hortons for coffee with his friends and brothers, doing word search puzzles, BBQ amazing steaks for Wally and his friends and taking his daughters dog Sammi for walks and a haircut.

In 2004 Eric would begin a slow journey of declining health that would escalate to greater and greater medical attention. We have so many people to thank for the love and care shown to Eric during these past few years. We would like to extend a sincere thanks to Kei and Grace from First Baptist Church. The Nurses and Doctors at Lethbridge Regional Hospital. The staff at Sunny Side Nursing Home, and all the wonderful people at Riverview Care Nursing home and the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.

A private family Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Wednesday, March 10, 2021. The family invites those who wish to watch the service via livestream at http://www.mbfunerals.com and scrolling to the bottom of Eric’s obituary. Interment to follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Baptist Ministries, 7185 Millcreek Dr, Mississauga, ON L5N 5R4.

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

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