July 26th, 2024

Wednesday, November 22, 2023


By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on November 22, 2023.

BURTON, Rita Karen BURTON Rita Karen Burton passed away November 14, 2023 at Claresholm, Alberta.
Rita was born June 1, 1936 at Dixonville, Alberta to Albert and Ruth Sorensen. She was the second in a family of six children. At a very early age Rita learned to care for people by looking after her younger siblings. Albert purchased a farm and moved the family near Berwyn, Alberta where Rita grew up and graduated high school. Furthering her caregiving talents, she pursued nursing at the University of Alberta, graduating as a registered nurse in 1959. Shortly after graduation, she embarked on a trip to Hawaii with several classmates including Marilyn (Murdoch) Mouser. They nursed in Hawaii for about a year, returned to Alberta to work in various hospitals before arriving in Claresholm to work at the Claresholm General Hospital. Rita and Marilyn ended up going out on a date with two local Claresholm boys Ross and Tim. There was some note trading going on after the date, not sure whose idea it was, but Rita went with Tim and Marilyn with Ross.
Tim and Rita were married Feb 8, 1964 in Rita’s home town of Berwyn. The trip up to northern Alberta in February proved to be fairly eventful with driving through a blizzard but everyone made it and actually welcomed a chinook the wedding day. They returned to live in Claresholm where Rita continued working as a nurse. Doug arrived on the scene in December of 1964 and Catherine in June of 1969. In 1973, they moved to the family ranch on Meadow Creek. Rita continued working shifts at the hospital until 1975, then stayed home working along side Tim, busy looking after everyone, cooking for hired men, raising kids, gardening etc. Living on Meadow Creek, Rita belonged to the Meadow Creek Ladies Club and always helped out with all the club functions.
Rita had a great love for playing cards, especially Bridge, after learning at a young age from her father. Playing Bridge and gardening became lifelong passions for Rita.
In 2002, Rita worked with Butch Norby, a lifelong friend and neighbor to design a house that was built in Claresholm on a lot where her dear friend Ruth McKinney had lived. After moving to town in 2003, Rita enjoyed her life to the fullest looking after her yard, growing her Hydrangeas along with many favorite flowers over the years. Bridge playing got a whole lot more serious and she played weekly for many years with the Bridge Gang. Rita served on the Claresholm Museum board and organized the first Old Fashioned Tea on the Lawn at the museum which became an annual favorite for many to enjoy a cup of tea and homemade cookies.
Rita enjoyed travelling with Tim, quite often to a car show but did several cruises and a trip to Mexico. She always loved getting together for family gatherings and cooked countless meals. Even though Rita quit nursing in 1975, she was always caring for or feeding someone who needed help, delivered Meals on Wheels and was checking in on friends and neighbors.
After Tim’s passing in Nov 2022, Rita moved into the Porcupine Hills Lodge. It was now time someone looked after her. She continued playing Bridge every week and loved to help out in courtyard garden and going for her daily walks.
Rita is predeceased by her brothers Ted and Allan. She is survived and dearly missed by her brother Paul, sisters Linda and Elaine, her son Doug, granddaughter Layne, Shawna Burton, daughter Catherine (Todd) and grandsons Max and Finn Buhmiller.
Photos, cherished memories and condolences may be shared at http://www.zentnerfuneralhomes.com 1-844-ZENTNER
CROW CHIEF, Charmaine CROW CHIEF Charmaine Flora Crow Chief – “Apanii Akkii”, passed away on November 11, 2023 in Lethbridge, AB at the age of 21 years.
A Wake Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Friday, November 24, 2023 from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. The Funeral Service will also be held at Legacy Funeral Home on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 11:00 am. Interment to take place at St. Catherine’s Cemetery. Feast to follow the burial at Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
THOMAS, Earl EARL THOMAS 1926 ~ 2023 Mr. Earl Thomas of Warner, husband of Mrs. Kay Thomas, passed away at St. Therese Villa on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the age of 97 years.
A Come and Go Celebration of Earl’s Life will be held at 12:00pm on Monday, November 27, 2023 at WARNER ELKS HALL. A Private Family graveside service has taken place in the Warner Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
MATTPERIN1938-2023MATTHEWPERIN, Matt Perin
1938 – 2023
Matthew Perin, beloved husband of Rene Perin, passed away in Taber on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at the age of 84 years. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, November 23, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 5009 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, November 24, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com. Matt is survived by his wife Rene; son Mark (Renita) Perin of Taber and their children Megan Perin (Tyler Wilson), Karly Perin (Mike Weir) and Matthew Perin; daughter Sandra (Mike) Krchnak of Taber and their children Kara (Adam) Wright (their children Emerson, Leighton and Jameson; Kymberly (Kodi) Sparks (their children Amira, Aurora and Auto; Kolten Krchnak; son David Perin of Pincher Creek and his daughter Jessica; brother Joe (Shirley) Perin as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews that Matt cherished. He was predeceased by his daughters Carol Lynn Perin and Patricia Lynn Perin; parents Joseph and Dora Perin; brother George Perin; in-laws Ivy and Edward Sehn. Matthew was born at home in Barnwell, the third son of Joseph and Dora Perin. His mother often talked about what a good baby he was, so happy all the time. Matt was great in school and loved going. Shortly after he graduated he met LaRene Sehn and very quickly they fell in love. They were joyfully married on August 5, 1959. Starting life together on the farm and having a family were Matt and Rene’s first priority. They walked through many heartaches together, hand in hand and eventually they achieved their goal. Matt built a beautiful farm life for them and together they had three children, seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Matt’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were the joy of his life and were his greatest happiness during his difficult final years. Matt was beloved by many and his memory will be lovingly carried forward by his family. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Matt’s name may be made directly to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation (Hemodialysis Unit), 960 – 19 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 1W5. Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

MIDDLETON, Clifford MIDDLETON Clifford (Cliff) James Middleton born November 10, 1950 in Lethbridge passed away at home with his wife at his side on November 18th, 2023. Cliff was one of four children and was predeceased by his mother Charlotte, brothers William and Melvin. Mourning his passing is his wife Diane of 50 years, his daughter Stacey, son Clayton, daughter-in-law Laura, and grandsons Owen and Noah. Cliff is survived by his younger brother Patrick, sister-in-law Kerry, and nephews Bryan, Sean, and Evan. He is also survived by his niece Nicole and step-father Roger. Cliff had many more in-laws, nieces, and nephews through Diane’s side of the family that will miss him.
Cliff was a strong and stubborn guy. He had his first diagnosis of cancer in 1994 and over the next 3 decades, he had 5 more cancer diagnoses. Cliff beat all the odds every time. In the end, after nearly 30 years of cancer diagnoses, Cliff was finally diagnosed with metastatic cancer. The end came quickly but he had his family with him at home during this time. Cliff was surrounded by love and support and his family is grateful we had these last few weeks to be with him and say our goodbyes.
Cliff had a long and successful career in corrections where he made long-lasting friendships. He stayed in touch with several colleagues and friends right through to the end.
Cliff was a devoted family man and an avid sports enthusiast. He watched, played, and coached sports throughout his life with many fond memories made. He especially valued the time he spent coaching the Lethbridge Cosmos boys soccer team. Having that time to mentor his son and many boys throughout those years was a time he cherished. Cliff played many sports throughout his life but settled into golf in his retirement. He loved his golf with his golf buddies. After retirement Cliff also became an avid walker and biker. He put on thousands of kilometers around Lethbridge.
Cliff was liked by many and will be missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre. Cliff requested no funeral and would encourage each of you to memorialize him in your own way. Thank you to Salmon & Sons for helping guide Cliff’s family through this transition.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
KEARNS, Barrett KEARNS BARRETT ALAN KEARNS, of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, after a valliant fight with pancreatic cancer, while in the arms of his beloved wife, Eisha and son, Nicholas, on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at the age of 48 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, November 23, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Pat Siedlecki officiating.
Flowers are gratefully accepted.

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

KIEMELE, Lennea KIEMELE LENNEA VICTORIA KIEMELE went home to be with her husband, Kieth Allen Kiemele in the late evening of Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the age of 75 years.
She is lovingly remembered by her two daughters, Rochelle Kiemele (Henry Gerard) and her son Tristen Kiemele, Aileen (Doug) Nash and their children Machala and Haydon, as well as special granddaughter Emily (Jayden) Van Reeuwyk, numerous family and special friends, Jan, Annabelle, Star, Helen and Irene.
Lennea was born in Cardston, AB to Andrew and Helen Olson on January 27, 1948. She attended nursing school in Calgary and went on to spend many years as an LPN in Peace River, Cardston, and later as a PCA/HCA in Lethbridge and Picture Butte.
Thanks to all the staff at Buffalo Grace Manor for providing care for mom over the past year. Thanks also to Lethbridge EMS, Dr. Roxin, the nurses, and the palliative care doctors in Emergency and on third floor of Chinook Regional Hospital for providing care and compassion in the thirty-six hours leading up to her passing.
A Graveside Service will be held at the far west end of MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY, 1210 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Thursday, November 23, 2023 at 2:30 P.M. with Pat Siedlecki officiating.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lennea’s memory to Cornerstone Funeral Home to lay Lennea to rest.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
CAMPBELL, Melvin “Mel” CAMPBELL MELVIN “MEL” CLAYTON CAMPBELL passed away suddenly at the Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, AB on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the age of 67 years.
He is lovingly remembered by his children, Melissa (Evan) and Tanner as well as granddaughter, Zoey.
Mel was predeceased by his parents, Ray and Bertha Campbell and his siblings.
Mel enjoyed fishing and riding his motorcycle but especially loved to spend time with his granddaughter.
His family wishes to thank STARS Air Ambulance and the staff of the Foothills Medical Centre for their heroic efforts and compassionate care.
At Mel’s request, a public service will not be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mel are gratefully accepted to STARS Air Ambulance (donations @stars.ca).

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
PAULHUS, Carol PAULHUS CAROL PAULHUS, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Romeo Paulhus, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at the age of 80 years.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, Friday, November 24, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Michael Pollard officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Tim Boyle celebrating. Both the Prayer Service and Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Carol’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
A Memorial and Graveside Service will be held in Cudworth, Saskatchewan at a later date. Details will be announced once completed.
Donations in memory of Carol, may be made to St. Michael’s Health Centre, 1400 – 9 Avenue S, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4V5 or Lethbridge & District Humane Society, 2920 – 16 Avenue N, Lethbridge, AB, T1H 5E9.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
GUGALA, Irena GUGALA IRENA GUGALA of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Rudolf “Rudy” Gugala, passed away at St. Therese Villa on November 6, 2023 at the age of 93 years.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CHURCH, 2405-12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Monday, November 27, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback, Celebrant.
Irena will be laid to rest in a private Graveside Service in Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge, AB, with her husband Rudolf.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
BROADHEAD, Steven BROADHEAD On Nov 19, 2023, Steven Ronald Broadhead passed away from cancer at the age of 65. Steve remained stoic and positive to the end, with his beloved wife Carmen at his side.
Steve was born in Cardston, Alberta and raised in Fort Macleod. He married Julie Hartley and they lived in Lethbridge, Coaldale, and Calgary, where they raised their family of three sons creating many great memories. He loved his family, hunting, taxidermy, and motorbike riding.
Steve worked in the financial/banking industry for years before changing careers, retraining and starting his own business as a Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Technician. However, Steve and his family’s lives were forever changed by a serious workplace accident with Traumatic Brain Injury, followed a few years later by a stroke that left him without full use of his right side. Many struggles and trials ensued, but Steve persevered to heal and recover as much as he could as his life took a different path.
Several years later he met and married a sweetheart of a companion, Carmen Sanchez, and together they enjoyed eight years of love, laughter and happiness. They spent time travelling to U.S. and Mexico to visit Carmen’s large extended family.
Steve made friends everywhere he lived, through family activities, hunting, guiding, church activity, his recovery and rehab, and his online Big Game Hunting Site. Steve lived life fully. He was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and had a strong faith in God and His Son Jesus Christ. He fought the good fight and can return to his heavenly home with honor.
Steve is survived by his sweetheart Carmen & her family; his sons, Dan(Chris), Ryan (Kristyn), Nathan, their mother, Julie Walker, and their grandchildren.
Steve is also survived by his dear mother, Joanne Broadhead, and his siblings; Carol(Blaine)Barr, Laura(Zealand)Leavitt, Joan Rudd, Paul(Diane)Broadhead, David Broadhead, Brian(Jen)Broadhead, Amy(Jake) Moore, and their families. Numerous grandchildren, aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews and friends also mourn his passing. Steve was preceded in death by his father, Ron Broadhead.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at the LDS Church at 170 N Centre St Magrath, Alberta at 12:00 Noon, Meet the Family prior to the service from 11-11:45 am. Luncheon to follow service – Interment at Beazer Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
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