Friday, August 29, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on August 29, 2025.

GILMOUR, Ross

Ross William Gilmour May 12 1953 – Aug 7 2025 With a heavy heart we are sad to announce the passing of a beloved father, brother, friend and teacher. Ross passed away August 7, 2025 in Courtenay, British Columbia. He will be remembered by many. A private service to be held at a later date.

FITZNER, Elayne

FITZNER, Elayne (née Hollingsworth) October 3, 1931 – August 23, 2025 Elayne Fitzner (née Hollingsworth) entered this life on October 3, 1931, and all will miss her as she finished her mortal stay peacefully on August 23, 2025. In our hurry to set aside the childish parts we should outgrow, too many also discard the childlike parts we ought keep. Elayne kept hers. She has them still.
Forty-eight of us called her great-grandmother. Thirty-three called her grandmother. For seven lucky souls, she was mother, and for four who got to spend the most time with her, she was sister. She was an elect soul. Dramatic one moment, razor-witted another, she was always remarkably capable in crisis or need. She danced in joy, wept to share your grief, wrote like Shakespeare, and could stretch a dollar to ten. Ne’er-do-wells, bullies, teachers (or those who were sometimes all of the above) lost their continence and sometimes also their jobs at the end of her whip-crack anger stirred up in defence of her children. She brought out the good in her beloved husband, whom she adored to her last day.
She mourned the loss of her father John Hollingsworth; mother Anna (Herr); beloved husband Reinholt Herbert Fitzner; grandson Eric Coley; son Garth Nicholas Hollingsworth Fitzner; nephew Max Van Orman; and her dear sister, Betty Jean Sefcik (née Hollingsworth). She never got to know well enough the siblings she lost in their infancy: James Roger, Robert Samuel, and Marsha Ann Hollingsworth. All of whom have welcomed her home.
Her brothers John and Ron, and her sister Debbie, along with her children Mike, Chris, Sally, Jeff, Tim, and Kurt, carry on her legacy. Promised once that she would live to see the triumph of good over evil, who can stand and say she didn’t? She loved her family, each and every one, to goodness. Her family is her arrow, which only grows in size and capability the further it gets from the bow.
A Graveside Service will be held on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM, located at Cardston Cemetery, 67 3rd Ave W., Cardston, AB. A reception will follow at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 338 5a Ave E., Cardston, AB.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting http://www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

CHAPPLE, Tracey

TRACEY CHAPPLE 1975 ~ 2025 It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Tracey Lynne Chapple has passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Tracey will be remembered for her strength, warmth, and the love she gave so freely to those around her. She leaves behind her beloved partner Perry Dueck; devoted parents Lynne and Paul Chapple; brother Terry (Crystal) Chapple and their children Makayla (Travis), Ethan (Brook); Sisters Amanda (Nick) Deleeuw and their children Dylon and Rylee; Caryanne (Chad) Fletcher and their children Brayden (Leslie), Taylor and Bella. Tracey’s memory will also live on in the hearts of her cousins Nikki and Andrea, as well as her many cherished aunties, uncles and extended family.
Tracey’s family will honor her life privately, holding close the many memories they shared together.
Forever loved and remembered.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

MOLNAR, Tibor

TIBOR MOLNAR 1938 ~ 2025 Mr. Tibor Molnar of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. May Molnar, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the age of 87 years.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

EAGLE PLUME, Everett

EAGLE PLUME Everett (Porky) Eagle Plume – Kiiyo kiitsipimii (Spotted Bear) was born February 1, 1956, at the Blood Indian Hospital. He passed away suddenly on August 21, 2025. He leaves to mourn his mother: Anne-Marie Wolf Child; his children: Ian Wadsworth, Chasity (Meldon) Heavy Runner, Willy Heavy Runner, Crystal (Johnathon) Iron Shirt, Cory Black Forehead, and Chad Eagle Plume, 16 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Kiipitapookaksi: Angel, Shawn, Martha, and Cecilia. Siblings: Corine and Lacey Eagle Plume, Leanne, Nada, Stephanie, Jade, Sky-lee (R.J.) Wolf Child, Clo-anne (Stan) Wells, Monte, and Mason Wolf Child. Aunties: Alice Wolf Child. Uncles: Stephen, Brian, Winston (Marie) Wadsworth, and John Wolf Child; Great aunt: Sadie Wadsworth; God child: Marilyn Kitty Heavy Runner.
Everett was a devoted family man whose love for his family guided every aspect of his life. He worked tirelessly to provide for those he cherished, finding deep fulfillment in supporting them through his dedication and hard work across various careers as a certified butcher, in construction, and in recreation and parks. More than just a provider, Everette was generous with his time and talents, sharing both freely with his loved ones.
An extraordinary athlete with a fearless spirit, Everett’s love for competition began in his younger years as a bull rider, where he displayed the courage and determination that would define his character throughout his life. Among his most thrilling adventures was riding buffaloes alongside his brother Brian Wadsworth at the legendary Calgary Stampede – a testament to both his daring nature and the strong bonds he shared with family even in the most exhilarating pursuits. Everett possessed an immeasurable love for baseball and hockey that took him across Canada and the United States. His exceptional talent earned him recognition when he was scouted to play hockey at the Junior B level and chosen twice to represent Alberta in Albuquerque, New Mexico in fastball – a testament to his skill and dedication to sports. Among his countless achievements, one memory stood above all others: having his beloved parents, Bruce and Anne-Marie, coach his Moses Lake Mustang’s hockey team to a championship victory. This perfect blend of family and sport created a moment of pure joy that he treasured throughout his life.
His athletic prowess extended beyond hockey to fastball, where he helped lead the Moses Lake Eagle Whistle Fastball Club to an impressive third-place finish at the 1999 Native Canadian Fast Pitch Championship in the breathtaking Okanagan Lake and Valley of British Columbia. While Everett accumulated many trophies, awards, and championships throughout his career, his greatest victories came from playing alongside his sons, Dexter and Willy, as they traveled together to tournaments throughout Indian Country. These shared experiences on the field became the foundation for lifelong memories and bonds that transcended any individual accolade.
He found his greatest joy in life’s simple but meaningful moments – casting lines during peaceful fishing trips, gathering everyone around for backyard barbecues, and creating warmth and connection around evening fires. These weren’t just activities to him; they were sacred opportunities to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories.
Rooted deeply in his traditional way of life, Everett embraced the way he was raised. He didn’t just honor these traditions passively but assisted anyway he could.
Everett understood that being a family man meant more than providing material needs; it meant being present, engaged, and committed to preserving what matters most – love, tradition, and the irreplaceable bonds that tie generations together. His compassionate heart also extended to his granddaughter Martha, who was born with medical challenges. Without hesitation, Everett made the journey to Calgary for every single medical appointment, providing unwavering support and ensuring she never faced these challenges alone. His presence became a source of strength and comfort, demonstrating once again that his love knew no bounds when it came to his family’s well being.
In his final years, Everett’s devotion to family came full circle as he dedicated himself to caring for his beloved parents, Bruce and Anne-Marie. This was perhaps the most beautiful expression of his character – returning the love and care he had received throughout his life. He treasured every moment in their presence, finding joy in the everyday rituals that brought them comfort and happiness.
Their home filled with laughter as they watched sports together and settled in for classic cowboy movies, Everett relishing these shared experiences. The kitchen became his domain as he lovingly prepared meals for his parents, taking special pride in making his famous Bannock.
Some of his most cherished moments were spent gathered around the radio for bingo games with his mom and the girls, where his gentle presence and genuine enjoyment of these simple pleasures created an atmosphere of love and togetherness. These weren’t just pastimes; they were expressions of his deep appreciation for family connection and his understanding that the most precious gifts we can give are our time and presence.
Predeceased by the late William Sandy Eagle Plume, Bruce Wolf Child; Siblings: Lori, Marilyn, and Ross Eagle Plume; son: Dexter Eagle Plume; niece: Angie Eagle Plume – Wolf Child; great niece: Chelsie Shade; aunties: Yvonne Dodging Horse, Elizabeth Wolf Child, Albertine Wolf Child, Rita Many Shots, Alice Black Rabbit, Pauline Three Persons, Bibianne Eagle Child, Annie Devine; Uncles: Max Wadsworth, Albert, Frank, and Mark Wolf child, Claude, Frank, Youseff Eagle Plume; grandma: Kitty Wadsworth and Lillian Spotted Bull; grandpa: Stephen Wadsworth Sr. and Willy Eagle Plume Predeceased by his fur babies: Princess and Lewis.
A wake service will be held at Moses Lake Community Hall, Blood Reserve Alberta on Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 6:00 – 11:00 pm. The funeral service will also be at Moses Lake Community Hall on Friday, August 29 at 12:00 pm. Interment to take place at St. Paul’s Cemetery.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

GRONDAHL, Jorgen

Grøndahl, Jørgen Grøndahl, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Liz Grøndahl, passed away suddenly at home, surrounded by family on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at the age of 72 years.
At Jørgen’s request, no formal funeral service will be held.

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

BARTHEL, Gerard “Jerry”

BARTHEL With sadness, yet with thankfulness to our all-wise God, our family announces the passing of our father, grandfather and great grandfather, GERARD “JERRY” BARTHEL on August 26, 2025 at the age of 92 years. Dad was the faithful husband of Eunice for the past 50 years.
Dad was born in Haarlem, the Netherlands on June 12, 1933 and grew up under the Nazi occupation during WW II. Throughout his life he was ever grateful to those young Canadians who liberated his city in 1945. He became a Canadian with his family in 1950. Two years later he married Betsy Dykslag and together they were blessed with four children. After 18 years of marriage Betsy passed away suddenly. He and his children were devastated but his gracious Lord provided a second wife for him.
Dad inherited his grandfather’s wood working skills and perfected and shared them throughout his life. His business was Triangle Wood Products for 35 years. Also, within that time he taught furniture refinishing for 20 years at the Lethbridge Community College.
Dad was a hard worker and also volunteered his skills for family and friends. He had a sincere love for his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and was ready to see his face. He enjoyed worship services every Sunday and was an office bearer at Trinity Reformed Church.
Dad had many friends and he will be missed by many. The last 10 years of his life he lived at Elim Village. He was eager to volunteer his skills there. He opened his heart to all the residents and became friends with each one as they moved in to the Elim community. He had a natural ability to make them feel loved and accepted.
He loved his children and he treasured his grandkids as babies and took great pleasure in their accomplishments as they matured. He had many nieces and nephews whom he loved to encourage and acknowledge.
Dad leaves behind to celebrate his life his devoted wife Eunice and his four loving children, son Henry (Sylvia) and their children David (Audrey), Jennifer (William), Jason (Andrea) and Curtis (Alison), son John (Yvonne) and their children Alex (Katie) and Spencer (Cassidy), daughter Adrianna (Rick) and daughter Kim (Peter) and their children Stephanie (Brent), Jessica (Geoff) and Caitlin (John) and 18 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother and three sisters and one brother-in-law and one sister-in-law. Dad was predeceased by his young sister, his wife Betsy and his older brother.
If you like you may donate to the Elim Society for Senior Citizens Care in his memory (elimlethbridge.ca)
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” Ps 116: 15 A Graveside Service will be held at ROYAL VIEW CEMETERY, 5920 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 10:00 A.M., followed by a Funeral Service at TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH, 1100 – 40 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB, at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor John van Eyk officiating.

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

AMBROZIC, Mirko

MIRKO AMBROZIC 1933 ~ 2025 It is with great sadness that the family of Mirko (Mike) Ambrozic announce his passing on Thursday August 21, 2025.
Mirko was born on November 21, 1933 in Bled, Slovenia where he enjoyed growing up near a beautiful lake in the mountains. He studied to be a journeyman carpenter and relocated to Canada in his early twenties. While living in Lethbridge, he met the love of his life, Antonia Hribar, and they raised 3 children, Evelyn, Caroline and Richard. A hardworking, skilled carpenter and foreman, he led many projects including 6 cherished family homes. He was a talented gymnast and skier, and enjoyed watching sports such as hockey, soccer and wrestling.
Mirko had a wonderful smile, great sense of humor, and loved to make people laugh. He was extremely generous and loved his wife and family above all else.
Mirko is survived by his sister-in-laws Ann Dimnik and Betty Hribar; daughters Evelyn (Peter) Watson, Caroline (John) Hatcher; son Dr. Rick Ambrozic; grandchildren Daniel (Tess), Christopher, Michael, Kimberly (James), Bradley, and Nicholas; great grandchildren James, Theodore, and Harper, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Antonia and siblings Justi and Alojz.
A Memorial Mass will be held 11:00am Saturday, August 30, 2025 at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405-12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta. Inurnment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery. To view the service via recording following the service, visit https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Mirko-Ambrozic.
For those who wish, memorial donations in Mirko’s name can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, https://heartandstrokeinmemory.crowdchange.ca/page/mirkoambrozic
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

LOO, Richard

RICHARD LOO 1933 ~ 2025 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard Loo, beloved husband of Mable, devoted father to Debra Bingham, Ryan (TJ) Loo, April (Jim) Loo Pangle, Lamont (Alicia) Loo; adored grandfather to Madyson (Caycee Wendorff) Loo, RJ Loo, Katherine (Matt) Loo Whittaker, Matthew Loo, Samantha (Austin) Loo Israelsky, Courtney Loo and Madison Hanson (grand- daughter by great affection).
A Celebration of Richard’s Life will be held at 12:30pm on Friday, August 29, 2025 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Dr. Bruce Martin, officiating.
To view the service via livestream, visit https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Richard-Loo.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

BONARE, Sharon

BONARE Mrs. Sharon Patricia Bonare – although she preferred Shari – tragically passed away August 12th 2025, close to home in Raymond, Alberta, while holding her husband’s hand and surrounded by her three children.
Born on July 1st, 1966 in Calgary, Alberta, Shari eventually moved with her parents to Vancouver Island, where she would grow up and graduate from Stelley’s Secondary School in Saanichton, BC. Through mutual friends, Shari eventually met her husband of 36 years, John Alexander Bonare, and together they raised three grateful children, Brittany Lynn Bonare, Tiana Ashley Bonare, and Jonathan Riley Bonare. Shari is survived by the family she built as a wife and mother, but she is also a dearly beloved daughter, sister, and aunt, as well as a whole family of in-laws who loved her. Her mother, Isabelle Barbara Yoxall (Schultz) and her now deceased father, Kenneth James Yoxall, as well as her siblings, Jim Yoxall, Kathy Yoxall, and William Yoxall, were never more than a phone call away despite everyone living so far apart over the years, all of whom will forever be missing hearing from her with updates about family, kids and life.
Shari began married life as a homemaker and mother, but would eventually go back to working full time while managing to balance and organize all of the chaos in our lives, no matter how busy she was. She was always the planner, the organizer, the one who took pictures and who made a constant effort to help us all make memories together that we cherish today.
As a mother, Shari had to learn how to advocate and fight for her kids early on when her first born was diagnosed with leukaemia. She would do research as much as she could as a layman in any medical issue relevant to the long term health and happiness of her kids, and she always did everything she could to ensure everyone had whatever they needed to be healthy and happy. She also had great sense of humor, insisting that she was “the funny one” of the family, which would make Dad roll his eyes every time.
At work, Shari was always quick to rise within the ranks and earn special attention and awards due to her exemplary customer service, managerial, and team leadership skills which stood out and made her a success, no matter what role she was filling. She was also an amazing chef and was very creative, enjoying simple arts and crafts, as well as having an amazing talent for interior design. Shari was also a very compassionate woman, and if she felt she could make a difference she would always do what she could to help, whether that was at work, in her own life, or in response to the 9/11 tragedy, where she spent hours at home with a glue gun making American flag coloured ribbon pins, which she sold for donations at work for a charity helping victims of 9/11.
One thing we will miss is how she always went all out when it came to decorating during the holidays, even after all 3 kids were grown, we could always come home to good food and a beautiful tree for Christmas with the whole family, including the dogs she adored so much. Shari was a passionate animal lover, and she had just recently adopted a rescue dog to fill the void left by her two favourite senior dogs, which turned out to be such a blessing and one last gift to our family. Being able to see this little dog that she adored getting to play and live happily with her husband is a joyful reminder of her compassion and kindness, and has brought so much unexpected comfort to our family since she passed, which we know would make her happy.
It brings us a lot of comfort to imagine her being greeted by her dogs at the edge of eternity or whatever comes next, and that she won’t be alone while she waits for us, because we know we will all see each other again one day.
We love you.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

HUDECEK, Ann

HUDECEK ANN ELIZABETH HUDECEK, of Coaldale, beloved wife of the late Martin Hudecek, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Monday, August 25, 2025 at the age of 90 years.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513 – 23 Avenue, Coaldale, AB, on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Iqbal Khurshid celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Ann’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Ann will be laid to rest in the Coaldale Cemetery at 2:30 P.M.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

TOTH, Rosalie “Rose”

TOTH It is with heavy hearts that the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren of ROSALIE “ROSE” E TOTH announce her passing on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the age of 86.
A Visitation will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M.
A Funeral Service will be held at SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 1011 – 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Ruth Preston Schilk officiating. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Rose’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Rose will be laid to rest in a private Family Graveside Service in the Taber Memorial Gardens.

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