By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 27, 2021.
Frederick Bitango
1948 – 2021
It is with great sadness that the family of Frederick Martin Bitango of Lethbridge, announce his sudden passing on March 17, 2021 at the age of 73 years.
As a child, Fred shared so many fond memories of growing up on the family farm near Coaldale, Alberta. Upon graduating from Kate Andrews High School, Fred began a career in sales that he enjoyed thoroughly. One of his life-long passions was playing billiards, eventually managing a pool hall for several years. He loved spending time cooking with close friends, playing card games, and writing short stories and jokes to share with friends and family. Fred was a devout Christian, who found purpose and comfort in his faith for many years.
Frederick is survived by two sons Kyle Bitango and Jerrod (Stephanie) Bitango; grandchildren Miriam, Eden, Hudson Bitango; sisters, Helen Damphousse and Deborah (Ric) Johnston; a nephew and numerous nieces and their families. He was predeceased by his parents Mariyan and Margaret Bitango of Coaldale, Alberta.
The family will gather for a private graveside service at Mountain View Cemetery to celebrate the life of our dear father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Canada, 316 – 4211 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M2P 2A9.
“All stories have a beginning, a middle, and an ending, and if they’re any good, the ending is a beginning.” Godspeed on your new beginning.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
Sidney “Sid” Albert Ernest Collier Sr.
1934 – 2021
Mr. Sidney “Sid” Albert Ernest Collier Sr. of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Melba Collier, passed away peacefully with family by his side at Edith Cavell Care Centre on Saturday, March 26, 2021 at the age of 87 years.
Funeral Arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
DOROTHY MARLENE MATHESON
1941 – 2021
Dorothy Marlene was born to Luke Raisbeck and Urilla Torrie on 2 August 1941 at Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. She was their only child and called their rustic sheep ranch at Grassy Lake, Alberta, her home for the next twenty years.
Marlene, as she was always known, had a happy childhood on the ranch near lots of Raisbeck and Torrie cousins. She attended the public schools in that Chamberlain district and was always an honor student.
The family raised sheep by the hundreds and basically made their living in that economy. Marlene was certainly a part of that and helped nurse the bummer lambs. One of her favorite stories was that one year, along with the bummers, she raised an orphaned baby antelope, which she named Flag! Marlene loved and enjoyed animals all her life, and enjoyed the deer, raccoons, turkeys, dogs, and cats at her Eugene home. Marlene finished high school in Taber in 1959 and began her college career at Lethbridge Community College and the University of Lethbridge, finishing her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Alberta in Edmonton in 1964.
She began her teaching career in Lethbridge, then Calgary. The Calgary Board of Education awarded her a grant to earn a Master’s degree in a special phase of counseling to be earned at the University of Oregon if she would return to Calgary for at least three years to further their efforts to help parents of children with certain learning difficulties.
While Marlene was studying in Eugene, she met Del Matheson. They dated, visited each other’s families in Iowa and Canada from 1967 to 1970, and felt they knew one another well enough to become engaged on the first Earth Day in 1970. Marlene was still a counselor in Calgary and Del was a librarian at Lane Community College, but they were finally married at Lethbridge, Alberta on 8 Aug 1970 with 20 of Del’s family from Iowa and about 250 of Marlene’s family and friends! After moving to Eugene Marlene continued to counsel at a Eugene junior high school.
When their son Ryan was born in 1974 that ended her working for the schools. Marlene treasured being mother to Ryan above all else.
Del and Marlene “unwisely” bought a printing business when Ryan was in kindergarten and kept it afloat until 2001, when they sold it and began a life of retirement. They lived in the same home until Marlene’s death on 14 March 2021 from complications of Covid 19.
Marlene was a devoted lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and willingly served in various leadership, teaching, and service capacities. She loved her Church affiliations and never did anything grudgingly. In her spare time she enjoyed studying, family history, and writing, especially family biographies. Another impressive activity and talent was needlework in many forms. She loved to sew family clothing, and a gift of one of her quilts was a treasure indeed. Marlene enjoyed board games and card games such as Canasta, and she was hard to beat! And, Marlene loved to laugh; she was a happy woman.
Marlene is survived by her husband Del, their son Ryan, his wife Ursula, extended family, and an even larger family of friends. A gathering celebrating her life will occur at a future time.
Bryan Gilborn
1946 – 2021
Mr. Bryan Gilborn of Coutts, passed away at George Spaday Palliative Care Facility in Edmonton on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at the age of 74 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
HEALY
ARNOLD HEALY, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Sunday, March 21, 2021 at the age of 64 years.
A Public Wake / Visitation will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, March 29, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance will be limited. Kindly RSVP your attendance to Cornerstone at 403-381-7777 or care@cornerstonefh.ca Facemasks are mandatory and will be available upon entry.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. The service will be live streamed and may be accessed via Arnold’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Arnold will be laid to rest in St. Catherine’s Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
June Hood
1927 – 2021
Ms. June Hood of Lethbridge, beloved spouse of Mr. Stan Dean, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at the age of 93 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
JOHN R. LINITSKI
1929 – 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John. He will be lovingly remembered by his children: Teresa (Patrick), Ramona, Ellen, David, Christine (Tom), and Phillip (Lana); grandchildren: Kelly (Scott), Mitchel (Katie), Jessie (Chris), Caisie (Shane), Isaac (Brigitte), and bonus Grandchildren: Loren, Darah and Abbey; great-grandchildren: Kali and Calab; sisters-in-law: Eva, Penny, and Laura (Tom); brother-in-law: Arthur (Janice); and numerous nieces and nephews.
John was born in Raymond, Alberta the youngest child of Karl and Mary Linitski. In his younger years he stayed busy as a member of Raymonds’ Baseball Club which advanced to the Provincial Jr. Championship in 1948. In 1998, the team was elected to Raymonds’ Sports Hall of Fame. John had an ear for music and played violin and the accordion in a local band, which helped him meet the love of his life, Phillis. They married on February 14, 1956 and moved to Wrentham to farm and begin their married life. Together they had six children. John enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren grow and experience life, and he was always eager to lend some well thought out advice. His other enjoyments were his wife’s baking, licking his plate, curling, playing crib, watching sports, and gardening. As his children grew, John coached Pee Wee and Bantam hockey and managed a Midget hockey team. John was a proud member of the Lions Club, and he was involved in the Big Country Summer and Alberta Senior Games.
John and Phillis resided in Alberta, living in Wrentham, Judson, Innisfree, Joffre, Didsbury, Red Deer, and Leduc.
John was a farmer, grain buyer, real estate agent, brother, husband, dad, grandad, great grandad, and friend. He will be greatly missed.
God bless his soul.
John was predeceased by his wife of 64 years, Phillis; parents: Karl and Mary Linitski; sisters: Helen, Amy, and Caroline; and brothers: Stanley and Joseph.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.connelly-mckinley.com.
Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home
St. Albert Chapel
(780) 458-2222
Rena Maldaner
1951 – 2021
Rena May Maldaner was born to Karl and Jean Maldaner on May 4, 1951. After a short illness, Rena passed peacefully from us on March 23, 2021.
Rena attended special schools in Medicine Hat and Lethbridge while living with caring families and in group homes.
Rena loved her family, babies, shopping, kittens, dogs, and birthdays, especially her own. It was her job in the last few years to shop for perfect gifts for her great nieces and nephews. Thank you to all of her caregivers and dayworkers who helped make Rena’s life easier and brighter.
Rena was predeceased by sister Ruthie in 1940, her father in 1987, her mother in 2003, and brother Earl in 1997. She leaves behind her brothers: John (Rena), David (Nan), Larry (Shelley), Brian (Barbara), Dean (Eunice), sister Lois (Doug Harrowing), sister-in-law Sally, twenty-nine nieces and nephews and a goodly amount of great nieces and nephews in Canada, Australia, and the Philippines, and a whole lot of cousins.
Her roommates, Jeanie and Alyssa, caregivers, and dear friend Alex will miss her.
Our family appreciates the dedication and compassion of the nurses and doctors of 4C at Chinook Regional Hospital.
A family Graveside Service was held in Coaldale on March 25, 2021, with Reverend Erin Phillips officiating.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
MARY CATHERINE DOROTHY GRAY (Nee RICE)
Mrs. Mary Catherine Dorothy Gray (nee Rice), loving wife of Dr. Alan Seymour Gray passed away at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at the age of 92. Besides her husband of 69 years, she is survived by her children: Catherine (Kelly) Kennedy of Kelowna BC, Scott (Joy) Gray of Victoria BC, and Anne (Bruce) Oxley of Sidney BC; her four grandchildren: Lindsay and Alan Kennedy, Robert Walker and Gray Oxley, and great grandchild George Kennedy Pak. Her sister- in- law Angela Rice also survives her. She also dearly loved her numerous nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by all her siblings, Donald Rice and his wife Ruth, Nancy O’Connor and her husband John, and Edward Rice.
Mary was born in Lethbridge Alberta May 30, 1928. She was a good student and after high school she entered Nursing at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver BC, graduating in 1951. She married Alan in 1952 and began her family in 1953. She was a devoted wife and mother, spending most of her early married life in Kelowna BC. She took a refresher course in nursing and returned to work at the Extended Care Unit in the Kelowna General Hospital for a couple of years while her children were in high school. She was a compassionate nurse who truly cared for her elderly patients. She moved to Saanichton BC in 1974 and was quickly embraced by a wonderful circle of new friends, playing lots of bridge and golf. She was a generous benefactor to many charities. She bravely faced Covid 19 and its challenges. She will be dearly missed by her family.
McEWEN
Aug. 8, 1930 – Mar. 24, 2021
It is with profound sadness that our family announces the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, JUNE PAULINE McEWEN of Lethbridge, AB. Mom passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at the age of 90 years.
Her passing has created a void in the lives she left behind – one that can never be filled. Mom leaves to cherish her memory, her son: Warren (Susan), and her three daughters: Linda (Dennis), Bonnie (Richard, predeceased), and Jeanne (Harold), as well as 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Mom was born in Lethbridge, AB on Aug 8, 1930. She grew-up on the family farm, north of Lethbridge with her parents, Karl and Nellie Jorgensen, three brothers and three sisters. She married Dan McEwen in November 1948 and they moved into their home they built in Hardieville, AB., where they raised their family. She resided in their home for 65 years. Dad passed away suddenly in 1998, but Mom remained in their home in Hardieville until 2016, when she moved to the Pemmican Lodge in Lethbridge.
Mom devoted her life to raising her children and nurturing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the light of her life. Through her quiet, loving dedication to her family, she left us beautiful memories and a lasting legacy of love. How beautiful is a mother’s love. How blessed are the lives it touches.
Mom found great joy in tending to her flower gardens. She found delight in simple things like sunrises and rainbows. She loved doing crossword puzzles. But above all, she loved spending time with her family.
Some lives are like a song; every note rare and precious. We feel very lucky to have heard the music. We will always remember her humble and gracious presence, and cherish her kind heart, beautiful soul, gentle spirit, and deep love. Mom made this world a kinder and warmer place with her gentle, quiet personality, shy smile and happy giggles.
She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In our heart’s memory, she will linger sweetly, tenderly forever.
God has you in His keeping. We have you in our hearts.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
A special thank you to Renee with Home Care, and to the amazing staff who cared for Mom in the St. Michaels Palliative Care Unit.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Maxine Mehalko
1930 – 2021
Mrs. Maxine Mehalko of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Joseph Mehalko, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, March 22, 2021 at the age of 90 years.
Maxine was a full-time mom and farm wife in the Sundial area, before moving with husband Joe, to Lethbridge in 2011. She always lovingly remembered her life on the farm and had a special fondness of all the animals, especially cats. She enjoyed gardening, ladies curling, golfing at the Picture Butte Golf Course, and was an original season ticket holder of the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
Maxine is survived by her children, Cindy Rasmussen of Lethbridge, Colleen (Mike) Ciarla of Calgary, and Jo Anne Henderson of Grande Prairie; beloved grandchildren, Glen (Sarah) Rasmussen, Ashley Rasmussen, Mitchell (Lani) Carpenter, Caylee (Obed) Maurice and Lucas Stauffer; as well as adored great grandchildren Khloe and Jack Rasmussen, Cruise and Kashlyn Carpenter and Ellie Maurice; siblings Harold Dunn, Howard Dunn and Melva (Dennis) Cleland; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
She was predeceased by her husband Joe; oldest brother and his wife Herbert (Ethel) Dunn; two sister in laws Fay Dunn and Louise Dunn and three half-sisters Merlene (Tony) Wolters, Myrle (Jack) Furman, and Myrtle (Dave) Bodie.
A private family service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, March 30, 2021. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Due to gathering restrictions, the services will be for immediate family only.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
CASSANDRA LEE MILLS
It is with deep sadness that the Mills/Creighton family announce the passing of their mother Cassandra Mills on Thursday, March 25, 2021, at St. Mike’s Palliative Care Centre.
Left to mourn her passing are her loving children: Amber (Kenny) and Kristian (Mogan) Creighton and Bryce Mills; her cherished grandchildren and many other family members.
The Wake Service to be held on Tuesday, March 30, at 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Snodgrass Funeral Homes (Pincher Creek). Funeral to be held at Snodgrass on March 31 at noon with Morris Little Wolf officiating. Interment to take place at Piikani Nation Cemetery in Brocket, Alberta.
Snodgrass Funeral Homes
assisting the Mills/Creighton
family with funeral arrangements,
(403) 627-4864.
Remembering Jack Morgan
1932-2021
This is a legacy for John (Jack) Haysom Morgan who was very kind hearted, a loving family man, and a respected community minded person of the Pincher Creek area. He was a wonderful Dad, grandfather and great-grandfather, and is missed by his family and friends. His contributions were results of his positive and outgoing personality as well as his pioneer family history. This history and his autobiography largely are based on his own recollections. Jack had a keen mind for the past which he generously shared with others.
Jack received his first name in honour of his Dad Jack and his middle name which was his Mom Elsie’s surname. Jack descended from a pioneer family of Pincher City (Pincher Station). His grandfather Richard Walter Morgan came from Ontario and was a dispatcher for C.P.R. in Cranbrook. Later in 1907, Richard and Lenore settled at Pincher City where they built and operated a General Store for seven years. In Jack’s own words, they sold a little bit of everything. This included groceries, clothing and hardware items. The store unfortunately burned in 1914 but the Morgans were undaunted and forged on. For a couple years they farmed just west of Pincher City. The land now belongs to Leo Robbins.
Richard and Lenore moved to Pincher Creek where they established one of the settlement’s first garages. Known as Pincher Creek Motors, it served as the General Motors outlet. Richard’s brother Lance also established a GM garage in Blairmore, located across the street from the Greenhill Hotel. The Pincher Creek Motors’ location on East Avenue, where the Post Office now sits, was part of the old highway route that went through town. Established in 1916, this was the era when motorized vehicles were becoming popular, so the timing of the garage was ideal. This was a brick building that extended east into the alleyway – to the north were several bays where the mechanical work was completed. There were two gas pumps facing the garage on the street- the utilitarian grade was the most popular with customers. Jack remembers that the gas business was particularly busy during the Second World War when the Army Corps was based out of the Armories, located just south of where Matthew Halton High School was built. Upstairs above the garage was a small family apartment where Richard and Lenore resided.
Jack Morgan was born on October 18th, 1932, one of two children born to Jack Morgan Sr. and his wife Elsie Haysom. Jack had an older sister Lenore. Jack attended elementary school in the old Public School two blocks to the east where Central School later was located. His later education was in the old Pincher Creek High School, located upstairs in the two-storey 1912 Town Hall across the street from the garage. Jack smiled when he told us his favorite part of school was dismissal time. The school washrooms were located in the basement alongside the town jail which provided a great opportunity to visit with the prisoners.
Pincher Creek Motors was operated by three generations of the Morgan Family. Jack’s father operated the business for years as did Jack. Jack recalled he would much rather work than attend classes.
In 1947, the Morgans sold their East Avenue garage to the Pincher Creek Coop. They moved their business to its new location at the corner of Main Street and Bridge Avenue. This too was along the highway route as it meandered through town. Previously this had been the Hub Cigar Store. An unusual building feature was its drive through archway which sheltered the gas pumps from the inclement weather. Next door was the Colpman’s Drug Store which had a soda counter. A small cabinet door accessed both businesses and was where garage staff could order their favorite treats. As in Jack’s words, Donna Barclay Elliott made very good milk shakes, sundaes and banana splits. General Motors vehicles were sold out of the garage. Two were on display in the show room and several others in the open car lot to the west. Additional vehicles were stored in Gaston Rigaux’s storage building located on the north side of the creek and east of the highway. The Pincher Creek Motors rented this building. The garage also was a favorite visiting spot for local fellows who loved to swap stories, some true and some embellished. Jake Smith, Damase Therriault and Gerald Simpson were some of the regulars. When the garage was sold in 1974, gasoline sold for 50 cents a gallon. Over the years, Pincher Creek Motors received two awards from General Motors. One was an electric desk lamp and brass plaque received for the garage’s 25th anniversary in 1941 and the second is a plaque for its 50th anniversary celebrated in 1966. These milestones really pleased Jack.
Jack Morgan was raised in town. His first residence as a youngster was in the log house at the west end of town later owned by the Turcotts. When Jack was about twelve years old, the family moved to a house they had built on Adelaide Street. It is noted for its verandah and spruce trees. It backed onto Pincher Creek, hence Jack’s interest in fishing. As an adult, Jack and Joan lived on Morden Avenue for several years. Later, they moved back to his childhood home on Adelaide Street.
Jack spent many happy occasions fishing as a child behind the family residence. He also was an avid swimmer in the old swimming hole in the canyon at the west end of town. Jack enjoyed playing baseball with his friends and was a member of the Chinooks baseball team in 1953 which played a very competitive set of games in Melfort, Saskatchewan. The Chinooks also won the Alberta championships. During winters, Jack skated on outdoor rinks on the north side of the creek, where the Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village is located and along the east side of Bridge Avenue. Hockey was a pastime in youth and as an adult, the latter being with the oldtimers team. Jack had a passion for the sport and after game comradery included wrestling and socializing. After several years, this angered Joan so much so that she went looking for him, couldn’t find him and went home to burn his hockey pants. Many years later, it was discovered the pants belonged to Spike Cyr. As an adult, Jack coached hockey and baseball.
The Morgan family had a cabin out at Beauvais Lake. It was built in the early 1930s and was one of three dwellings out there at the time. This frame structure featured a kitchen, living room and bedroom and was heated by a wood burning stove. Located on the north shore, Jack had to help with its cribbing when a dam was constructed at the east end of the lake. This raised the water levels and Jack gathered rocks for the cribbing. Access to the lake was via a dirt road coming to the lake’s east end, a route that became a mud hole every time it rained. Many happy family times were spent there fishing and boating. Suckers were fed to the bears. Jack was there for several summers as a youngster and adult.
Following the sale of the garage, Jack worked at the Shell Waterton Plant and for the Municipal District of Pincher Creek. He purchased his ranch in the Mountain Mill district in 1985. Jack raised cattle and crops there. The ranch is dissected by Mill Creek and was the site of an oil rig drilling in 1930. This history fascinated Jack as did finding archeological remains on the property. Jack remained on the ranch until 2020 when he moved to Crestview Lodge. Jack Buffalo, as a few members of his family fondly called him, enjoyed watching old westerns and reading good books.
Jack is sadly missed by his family. Jack’s wife was Joan Calkins who hailed from Lacombe, Alberta. They met when she came down to Pincher Creek to work in the Royal Bank housed in the massive stone building next to the garage on East Avenue. Jack and Joan were married in 1953. Joan passed away in 2016. Together they had five children. Jack is survived by Bryan (Shari), Cathy (Darryl), Barry (Carla), Barbara (Allan) and Shawn; grandchildren: Alexandra (Matt), Chad (Corri), Brenna (Greg), Kayleigh (Jesse), Jenaye (Michael), Justin, Brandon (Jan), Brittney (Lucas), Nicholas (Hope), Robyn (Logan), Martyna (Dylan), Charissa (Branden); and great-grandchildren: Milo, Madden, Maverick, Myles, Keely, Brynley and one on the way. Jack also was predeceased by his parents Jack Sr. and Elsie, wife Joan, sister Lenore (Ron), sister-in-law Beth (Hap), brothers-in-law Allan (Jackie), Jack (Barb) and Cork (Addie). He is survived by his brother-in-law Chub (Irmgard).
Jack was blessed to have many lifelong friends, some of whom were Jack Petersen, Larry Davis, Spike Cyr, Ronnie Brown, Bryan Walker, Bob Colpman, Jack Johnson, Henry Louey, Emil Ganske, Russell and Earl Ensign, James Bowersock, Ray DeGood, and a special friend Agnes Lee.
An outdoor service will be held on July 31, 2021, more information is forthcoming.
Donations may be made to the Windy Slopes Health Foundation (P.O. Box 2554, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0) or the Crestview Lodge (P.O. Box 1058, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0) in memory of Jack.
Condolences may be sent through: http://www.edensfuneralhome.com
Dwaine Turnbull
1947 – 2021
Dwaine Albert Turnbull, beloved husband of Jo Anne Turnbull, passed away in Taber on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at the age of 73 years.
Besides his loving wife Jo Anne, Dwaine is survived by their children Carey Turnbull, Tammy Turnbull and granddaughter Miranda (Devon) Hargreaves. He is also survived by his twin sister Elaine (Blayne) Nowell; brothers Jim (Donna) Turnbull, Bob (Melanie) Turnbull, Gord (Donna) Turnbull and by numerous nieces and nephews.
Dwaine says, “Goodbye!”
Dwaine will be privately remembered by his family and friends. 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.
MARY ANN WELLS (NEE: Red Old Man)
1934 – 2021
Mary Ann, mother of Deborah, Bobbie (Tylin) and Stanford (Cloanne) passed away on Thursday. March 11, 2021 at the Cardston Health Centre.
Mom was predeceased by the Love of her life, her cowboy Robert J. Wells (Bob)
Mother’s grandchildren were Jacy (Horace), James and Lynzee
Great grandchildren – Tanner (Becky), Brandon (River), Jewel (Tylen), Presley (Kestin), Ashton, Riley, Wyatt, Hail, Madeline, Amethyst and Great-Great grandchildren – Hendericks and Braxton. Her fur babies Ciel (pug) and Yangy Bangy (cat).
Her adopted children Jeffrey Standing Alone, Bobby Healy, Kelly Weasel Fat, Frank, Tricia, Robbie & Caroline Big Wolf, Wanda, Sam Red old Man & Arnold, Jenny & Jacinta Fox and Children of James and Lena Russell.
Mom is survived by one sister Veronica (Wayne) Fox from Siksika.
She is survived by her Sister In-Laws Harriet and Beauty Wells
Predeceased by her Uncle Mark Wolf Leg Sr
Predeceased by Sister In-Laws Louisa Big Wolf, Mary (Victor) Chief Moon, Mary Jane (Patrick) Wells, Edith (George) Medicine Shields, Rosaline (Clifford) Many Guns
Predeceased by Brother In-Laws Jim (Molly) Wells, Dick (Katie) Wells, Albert (Phyllis) Wells and Arthur (Bertha) Wells,
Her brothers Steve and Louis Red Old Man and Joseph (Geraldine), George (Edith), Frank and Clifford Medicine Shields. Sisters Annie (Joe) Running Rabbit, Rosie (Adam) Solway, Christine (Waymond) McMaster, Jean (Harrison) Medicine Shields and Frances (Al) Many Bears.
Numerous Nephews and Nieces from Kainai and Siksika
Her Sisters in Christ Delphine Goodstriker, Christina Fox, Regina Fox, Alvine Low Horn and Kim Black Water and many more too numerous too mention.
Mary Ann lived the fullest life with all her loved ones and will be sadly missed and remembered for her: humour, laugh, fashion, and strength. In the beginning Mary Ann was born to Sam Red Old Man and Clarice Little Ration on June 14, 1934 at the Glecian Hospital, then after the passing of her parents she was then raised by her grandparents.
Growing up Mary Ann went to the day school then the Crowfoot Residential School; she really respected the nuns and priests and the Catholics church. Also mentioning that all parents should show their children to pray and be respectful. Mary Ann left Crowfoot Residential School at the age of 15 years old starting working at the Cluny Hotel, ranch work, beading and kept a clean house for her grandparents.
Mary Ann was very proud to attended the Calgary Stampede every year with her buckskin outfit on a decorated family horse. As she attended and rode in the parade she met Robert J. Wells (Bob) at the family camp. Then to her surprise she met Bob again at the Cluny Stampede; that was the beginning of her love life that lasted to the end.
Mary Ann became Mrs. Robert J. Wells then moved to Kainaiwa with her In-laws. soon after had their first bundle of Joy, Deborah Ann Wells at Brooks, AB. Seeking employment Bob moved the family to the states doing Ranch Work for different people then moved back home to settle on the family land in a little sugar shack that was kept well and shared with many. Living in the home she was honoured in caring for her son, Stanford Wade Wells. As both Mary Ann and Bob worked they were giving a home at the Farm Head Quarter where they helped raise their grandchildren, adopted children and all those that needed a place to call home. Mary Ann has been giving various recognition for her and Bob’s foster parenting from the Prime Minister. Mary Ann also worked as a Ranch Cook and at the Standoff Pool Hall.
Settled in Mary Ann stayed home enjoying her sewing and being with her grandchildren and husband. They were inseparable. Mary Ann enjoyed all religions, going to Gospel Meetings but was brought up in the Sundance and respected it. In the end she chose the Catholic Church, as she made her Cursillos she travelled with her Cursillo groups and families. Mary Ann never forgot her family back home in Cluny and Crowfoot, always there for them. During this time receiving another home with more memories to fill.
As her husband encouraged her to go back to school with her daughter he watched their first great grandson. Enjoying her schooling but her love became sick so she quit to care for him till his passing. Mourning for a year not leaving her room her sisters-in-law and her other family stayed with her.
As she regained her strength she was back, this time really travelling and had her own Catholic Business selling crafts like rosaries and a lot more. Mary still caring for her family and now growing with four more great grand children. Still travelling back and forth to Cluny, Siksika and Crowfoot Mom would bring the family to travel and introduce the additions. Mary Ann would also go travelling with her only living sister Veronica Fox and Wayne and had many stories to bring home.
Mary Ann then met her round dance friend, Annie Davis. They would travel all over, they were known as the round dance queens. Mary Ann enjoyed puzzles and coloring, she would always color with her nephew Jerry Wells during there stay at the Cardston Long Term Care; but as they colored she would get mad “ahh jerry your coloring outside the lines”
She loved dancing, singing and music especially Biggie Smalls. Mom also loved making rosaries, cruising, dressing up, but most of all being with her family, 4 great grandchildren and her 2 great-great grandsons.
The family would like to thank the Cardston Long Term Care and Cardston Health Centre Staff for the support and care for our mother and also Dr. Crawford.
On behalf of the family, we would like to extend our apologies to those we may have missed.
A Viewing will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Tuesday, March 30th, 2021 from 9:00 to 11:00 am with a Family Service to follow at 11:00 am. (Due to COVID-19 – A Total of 20 people will be allowed in the building.)
To send a condolence or Watch the Funeral please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca.
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