Thursday, February 12, 2026

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 12, 2026.

AARTS, Burt BURT JOHN AARTS 1972 – 2026 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Burt John Aarts at the age of 53 on January 7, 2026. He will be dearly missed by all of his family, friends, and coworkers.
John was born in Oliver and moved to Cache Creek until junior high, followed by his move to Vernon where he graduated high school at Fulton Secondary. After high school, he moved to Lethbridge where he started a family at a young age and then moved back to Vernon where he continued to reside.
John was the eldest of seven siblings and always took his elder sibling duties to heart. He was always checking in and planning group dinners for everyone to gather. He never missed doing his rounds on Christmas to stop at each home to give out gifts and his famous back-breaking bear hugs.
If you needed John, he was always there to help with anything and everything. He acted tough but was the most loving and funny father, brother, husband, friend, and son one could ask for.
He was known for being a very meticulous, picky person who strived for the best in everything he did, which included his work trucks. A dirty, unmaintained truck was unacceptable. “Where’s the sparkle?”
His work ethic was beyond anything one could imagine. The dedication and commitment of 26 years he gave to Combined Mechanical Contractors Ltd. was a huge sense of pride and part of his identity. You always could find him rocking the merch at many outings. His name and CMC went hand in hand and were well known across BC for their outstanding work.
John was survived by his wife Mary and his three children – Toni, Micka, and Brittaney ( Max) – as well as mother Maria and father Burt; uncles Hans, Danny, Bill, and John Avila. His six siblings Elvis (Kiena & Kassydi), Annette (Fernando, Sonia ( Kurtis), Leticia ( Scott, Braxton, Keava), Vicki, Debbie (Keily, Zach, Isabella, Brayden), Allen, and Susan ( Axel, Quinzy, Mary & Kenzel).
We will be having a celebration of life at a later date to honor him with good rock music, cracking beers around the BBQ, and wearing Canucks or Lions jerseys – and don’t forget the classic CMC overalls – while laughing and reminiscing about what a great man we all had the privilege to know.
John was admired, looked up to, loved by many and will be greatly missed.

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KNIFE, Joe KNIFE Joe Knife, passed away on February 3, 2026 on the Blood Reserve, Alberta at the age of 73 years.
A candle light vigil will be at 49.58539, -112.90671, Blood Reserve on Friday, February 13 starting at 2:00 pm. A wake service will be at Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Friday, February 20 from 7:00 – 11:00 pm. The Funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Pioneer Cemetery.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

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GLYNN, Colette COLETTE GLYNN 1947 ~ 2026 Mrs. Colette Glynn of Warner, beloved wife of Mr. Thomas Glynn, passed away unexpectedly in her home on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the age of 78 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the WARNER ELKS HALL, 210-4th Ave, Warner.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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SIMMILL, Loretta SIMMILL LORETTA PEARL SIMMILL (née Slemko) passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished friend.
Born on September 27, 1955, in Lethbridge, Alberta, to Steve and Frances Slemko, Loretta was raised on a farm north of Coaldale with her brother, Kenneth Slemko (Kathy Thompson), and sisters, Mary Coles (Walter) and Rosanna Stevens. She graduated from Kate Andrews High School and studied Laboratory Technology at SAIT, later specializing in hematology. Loretta enjoyed a fulfilling career as a laboratory technologist and team lead throughout Alberta.
Loretta married Kevin Simmill on June 30, 1979, after being introduced on a blind date by her sister Mary. Due to Kevin’s service with the RCMP, they lived in several Alberta communities before settling in Sherwood Park.
Family was Loretta’s greatest joy. She was a loving mother to Steven Simmill (Kathy), Lisa Orton (Jeff), and David Simmill (Brittany), and a proud grandmother to Jared and Riley Orton; Emma, Isla, and Ava Simmill; and Mason and Makenna Simmill. She also shared close bonds with her nieces and nephews.
A lifelong Edmonton Oilers fan, Loretta was active in her faith community, singing in the St. Ambrose choir and serving with the Catholic Women’s League for 16 years. She will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, quick wit, and unwavering positivity. After receiving a double lung transplant in 2015, she faced ongoing health challenges with grace and strength. Her family is deeply grateful to the donor family and transplant team for the precious years they were given.
Loretta was predeceased by her parents, Steve and Frances Slemko; her in-laws, Sheila and Grainger Simmill; and her brother-in-law, Tom Stevens.
A Prayer Service will be held at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513 – 23 Avenue, Coaldale, AB, on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Peter Lilienthal officiating.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Iqbal Khurshid celebrating. Both the Prayer Service and Memorial Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Loretta’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Loretta will be laid to rest in a private Graveside Service in the Coaldale Cemetery.

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

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STEIN, Lotte STEIN It is with deep sadness the family of LOTTE STEIN, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Ludwig Stein, announces her peaceful passing at Legacy Lodge on Monday, February 9, 2026 at the age of 94 years.
Lotte was born in Germany and immigrated in 1952 with her loving husband, along with other family members and friends.
They started a new life in Canada where they worked hard and were grateful for all they accomplished.
Our Mom was a loving mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother. She had unconditional love for her family and spent as much time as she could with her family, whether it was baking, playing games, babysitting or having sleepovers with the children; Oma loved them all.
Mom loved the Lord and participated in many bible studies and church activities.
She also loved her flower garden and spent countless hours tending to her plants and flowers. Her garden was a colourful masterpiece enjoyed by many.
Lotte is survived by her five children: Janet Ainscough (Laurier Krumps), Susan (David) Riehl, Norman (Denise) Stein, Roger (Darlene) Stein and Christine (Bob) Stockton. She is also survived by her brother Horst and brother-in-law Walter, nieces and nephews; and her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be missed by all who knew her!
A Celebration of Lotte’s Life will be held at IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH – #20 Rocky Mountain Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, February 13, 2026 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Lee Loveridge officiating.
The service will be live streamed and may be viewed through Lotte’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, where Lotte will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church (immanuellutheran.ca)

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

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MOZGALA, Barbara MOZGALA It is with deep love and sadness that we announce the passing of MRS. BARBARA MOZGALA, who left us peacefully on Monday, February 9th, 2026 at the age of 77. Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose kindness, resilience, and unwavering love shaped the lives of all who knew her.
Born in Poland on April 23, 1948, she grew up surrounded by family, tradition, and a strong sense of community. In 1981, with courage in her heart, she and her husband made the life-changing decision to immigrate to Canada with their two young daughters, determined to build a brighter future. They embraced their new home with hope and hard work, and in 1983, they joyfully welcomed their youngest daughter, born on Canadian soil- a symbol of new life they had begun.
Barbara dedicated her life to her family, creating a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of her home-cooked meals. Her generosity extended beyond her household, as she was always ready to help others.
Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Stanislaw Mozgala, her daughters: Margaret (Keith), Elizabeth, Victoria (Jamie), her cherished grandson Declan, and extended family and friends. Her legacy of love, perseverance, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 6:00 P.M. with Deacon Jim Manzara officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. Both the Prayer Service and Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Barbara’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Following the Funeral Mass, Barbara will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery.

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

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KING-BLOOD, Rhonda RHONDA JOYCE KING-BLOOD “Miisaminiskim” April 27, 1949 – February 5, 2026 The family of Rhonda Joyce King-Blood, Miisaminiskim, sadly announces that she passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 5, 2026, in Lethbridge, Alberta.
Rhonda is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Charles Blood Sr., Katoyiis, and her children, grandchildren, great-granddaughters.
The Wake Service will be held at Martin Brothers Funeral Chapel on Friday, February 13, 2026, starting at 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on the Blood Reserve on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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