FRIDAY, February 28, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 28, 2025.

WOODRUFF

    Carolyn Woodruff, 76, of Gilbert, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on February 21, 2025. Born in the middle of winter on August 18, 1948, in Kyogle, New South Wales, Australia, Carolyn’s life was a beautiful symphony of music, family, and love.

    A passionate pianist and dedicated teacher, Carolyn shared her love for music with countless students over the years, many of whom went on to become piano teachers themselves and accompanists. Carolyn also played a significant role in her church, frequently accompanying music at services, especially in primary, and offering her musical talents to uplift others. Her devotion to music was not just a hobby, but a lifelong calling that shaped her interactions with the world. 

    Above all, Carolyn cherished her family and the love of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her greatest joy came from being surrounded by her loved ones. Carolyn’s home in Gilbert, Arizona, was her personal paradise – where she reveled in the warm sunshine and created a haven for Allen and herself, in which the family loved. Carolyn opened their home to anyone who needed refuge in a time of need in their lives. Her nurturing spirit, wisdom, and love will continue to guide her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, leaving a lasting legacy that will carry on for generations.

    Carolyn is survived by her loving husband Allen, her children Kent (Baylie, Brooke and Hayden and their children Gideon and Witten, Chanel and her daughter Harlow), Jennifer spouse Daniel (Matthew, Wyatt), Robert spouse Lynn (Riley, Kayden), Steven spouse Michelle (Ethan, Todd), Richard spouse Holly,  (Jacob, Abby,  Laura (Zaiden), Candace, Kenya, Kira, Caleb, Jonathan spouse Tiara, Marie spouse Taylor, Arabeth, Ella, Emily, Enoch) and many friends who were touched by her kindness and generosity. She was predeceased by her parents Robert and Marjorie Sackley. 

    Carolyn’s love for music, her devotion to her family, her faith in Christ, and her warm, compassionate heart will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. While she will be deeply missed, her memory will continue to inspire and uplift everyone whose life she touched.  

    A memorial service to honor Carolyn’s life will be held on March 1, 2025, viewing at 1:00pm, service at 2:00pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, located at 4629 East Guadalupe Road, Gilbert, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to BYU Pathway Worldwide in her memory. For those who would still like to send flowers please send them to funeral home by February 28, 2025 at 3:00pm. 

 STIRLING

MABEL ELIZABETH STIRLING, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Thursday, February 27th, 2025 at the age of 88 years. Arrangements to be announced once completed.

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

LIEBELT

It is with great sadness in our hearts that the family of KAREN JEAN LIEBELT (née Hirsche), of Lethbridge, formerly of Warner, AB, beloved wife of the late Lawrence Liebelt, announce her peaceful passing at home on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the age of 77 years.

Karen leaves behind her children: daughter Deb (Richard) Ainscough and their children: Shane – Deacon, Rylan and Maverick and their mother Cassie, Lee (Beth) – Spencer and Rylee; daughter Cheryl (Glenn) Wensmann and their children: Ashley – Kinley, Cadence and Merryn and their father Jeff, Kyle – Terry and Lily, and Jordon; and son Larry (Suzanne) Liebelt and their children: Tyler (Victoria) and Jason. She is also survived by her brother Ken (Marg) Hirsche, sisters-in-law: Shirley Hirsche, Maxine Anderson and Elaine Liebelt.

Besides her beloved husband, Lawrence, she was predeceased by her parents George Hirsche, Hazel and Lavell Eliason, and Jacob and Pearl Liebelt; sister Pauline Culler; brother Gary Hirsche; brothers-in-law Maurice Liebelt, Bill Anderson, and Raymond Culler, and Baby Alice.

Karen was born June 3, 1947 to George and Hazel Hirsche. She was raised and went to school in Wrentham, until she met the love of her life, and moved to the family farm east of Warner, where they raised three wonderful children.

Mom enjoyed and gave many volunteer hours with various organizations and loved it when able to go camping in Waterton on Hirsche Row! Mom enjoyed life and had an affectious laugh.

A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, March 3, 2025 from 12:00 Noon to 3:00 P.M., with a short service to begin between 1:00 P.M. and 1:30 P.M.

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

UPTON, Vlasta VLASTA UPTON 1940 – 2025 Mrs. Vlasta Upton of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Paul Upton, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, February 24th, 2025, at the age of 84 years.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

BERTSCH

With great sadness, the family of CYRIL JOSEPH BERTSCH announce his peaceful passing at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Friday, February 21, 2025.

Cyril will forever be missed by his loving wife, Kathy; his loving children, Daniel Bertsch and Chandra Bertsch and their families.

At Cyril’s request, no funeral service will be held. Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.

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

Dwight Gray
1958 – 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Dwight Gray announce his unexpected passing on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at the age of 67 years.
Dwight is survived by his siblings Denise (Wayne) Cronkhite, Darrell Gray, Deb (Wayne) Mathieu and their families, as well as in-laws Don and Linda Going.
Besides his loving wife Sheila Going, Dwight was pre-deceased by his mother Helen and father Jim.
A Celebration of Dwight’s Life will be held at a later date.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

Marjorie (Helen) Haynes
July 15, 1944 – February 24, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear cousin, Helen on February 24, 2025.

She was born to Stanley and Dorothea (Dolly) Haynes in Victoria B.C. on July 15th 1944. Survived by her cousins Pam (Monty) Vanden-Bulck, Ian (Carol) Haynes, John (Vicki) Davies, Judy (Kim) Carlton, Sharon McFadzean (Laing), as well as relatives in Eastern Canada and the U.S.A.

Throughout her life she developed long lasting friendships, whether during her school years at Norfolk House and Queen Margaret’s schools, during her postgraduate studies at St. Thomas’s in London, England and UVIC, while working at Havergal College in Toronto, or living in Lethbridge.

Helen found joy in life through her travels, her participation and interest in sports, for her passion for art as both an artist and collector, and in her hobby of building miniatures.

Our thanks goes to those who cared for Helen during her 20 plus years battle with M.S. and Trigeminal Neuralgia, to the staff of Amica Douglas House and Amica Jubilee, and to Carole who also provided care and companionship.

Donations, if desired, may be made to the M.S. Society or a charity of choice.

YAMASHITA, Hoshiko “Rose” HOSHIKO “ROSE” YAMASHITA 1932 – 2025 Mrs. Hoshiko “Rose” Yamashita of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Nobuo “Nobby” Yamashita, passed away peacefully with family at her side at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the age of 92 years.
A Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Thursday, February 27, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, February 28, 2025, AT MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with Reverend Lois Punton, officiating. Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapel.
Interment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery following the Service.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

HAINES, Ruth RUTH LOUISE HAINES 1937 – 2025 Ruth Louise Haines of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Bryan Haines, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the age of 87 after a brief hospital stay.
Ruth was born in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan on July 17, 1937, to Florence and Frank McAllister. After Ruth graduated from Lloydminster High School in 1955, she went on to study bookkeeping and clerical activities.
Ruth relocated to Calgary where she met her life mate Bryan, the couple were married in 1958. The couples journey turned to the mountains, first Jasper, Alberta and then later Field, BC. In total they would spend 18 years in the National parks.
It was 1978 when Bryan took a job in Lethbridge and the family relocated to the windy city where they both lived for the duration of their lives.
Shortly after arriving in Lethbridge Ruth began working in Human Resources at the Research Station and she stayed many years until finally retiring in 2002. In their retirement Bryan and Ruth took many world trips and many international steps and memories.
Ruth was very active in the community, specifically the Oddfellows and Rebekah’s associations, and has lifetime friendships with these groups.
An avid knitter and crocheter, Ruth was a workhorse around Christmas time in delivering handmade mitts, socks and toques for less fortunate souls. This practice continued to be as recent as last year. She also was responsible for making and distributing many crocheted blankets to family members, a much-needed resource for the cold Canadian winters.
Ruth was an orchid lover and had great success in getting her orchids to bloom in the challenging northern environment.
Ruth was the glue in her family, always staying in touch and reaching out to family members. A highly caring soul who truly cared about others. She was a wealth of knowledge on ancestorial relationships and family history.
Ruth has 2 surviving sons Brent (Lisa) Haines, Murray (Jenny) Haines; 4 grandchildren Taylor, Madison, Ashlyn and Nicholas as well as her two brothers Roy and Bert.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

PARDOE, Terry

PARDOE TERRY WILFRED PARDOE, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Gillian Eveleigh, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the age of 80 years.
A Come and Go Reception will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, February 28, 2025 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

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

ZALESAK, Dianne

ZALESAK It is with profound sadness the family of DIANNE ZALESAK announce her passing following a brief illness at the Foothills Medical Centre, on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the youthful age of 81.
Mom is survived by our dad, her loving husband of 59 years – Paul, her daughter Marci Stickel (Dale) and their children: Joey Stickel, Michael Stickel, and Jenna Lehr (Al); her oldest son Jim Zalesak (Deb) and their children: Cheyanne Zalesak (and her family Luc, Shane & Alex), Toni Francon (and her family -Terry, Hunter, Brooklynne & Gavin), and Roberta Steele (and her family John & Raine); and her youngest son Rick Zalesak (Shar) and their children: Jordan Zalesak (and her family – Tyler, Jack, Luna & Leo); and Justin Zalesak. She is also survived by her cherished in-laws: Ed & Peggy Zalesak, Shirley & Gerrit Kamphuis, Rudy & Gloria Zalesak, and Linda Shimek. Mom leaves behind an incredible network of extended family and friends, all whom have been very supportive through these last few weeks.
Mom was born in 1943 in Eastend, Saskatchewan, and moved to Nelson, BC in early childhood, along with her parents Garda & Albert Sandvik, and her sister Audrey. Mom was predeceased by both her parents and her sister. Growing up in Nelson, Mom made many friends, many of whom she kept in contact with to this day. Mom had a couple of beloved aunts and uncles that had settled in Lethbridge, and after visiting as a teenager, she decided that Lethbridge was where she wanted to settle after graduation. She LOVED the prairies! This is where she met Dad, and they were married in 1965, raising all of us on the family farm near Picture Butte. In 2016, they moved to their forever home in Lethbridge.
Over the last 30 years, Mom and Dad enjoyed life to the absolute fullest! Having their children young allowed them to be free to travel around the world while they were still in their prime! They enjoyed many trips and cruises on their own, and with friends to too many places to mention! But their favorites were definitely Maui, New Zealand, Australia and Arizona. More recently, Mom and Dad enjoyed trips to Europe to visit their family history, the Maritimes, and back to Arizona.
When Mom’s role of raising her kids was almost complete, she took up the sport of golfing, and this became her passion! She loved her home course of the Picture Butte Golf Club, and she loved golfing around the world as well! Although she was sad when she had to give this up a couple of years ago, due to various injuries, she still loved to watch golf on TV. Another great joy in mom’s life was her 20 plus year career working for the RCMP detachment in Picture Butte. She treated those Mounties like they were her family, and they all loved her like a mom.
Although we will mourn her greatly, we will also celebrate her incredibly beautiful life, and we feel so very fortunate to have shared this life with her. To know Mom was to love her; her presence lit up every room she walked in to.
We invite mom’s friends and family to join us in a celebration of her life at the NORLAND HISTORIC ESTATE, 5801 1st Ave South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday March 1st, 2025 from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Mom would love to see everyone in bright cheerful attire!

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