Tuesday, February 24, 2026

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 24, 2026.

TILLEMAN, Vera Vera Jean Duke Tilleman September 14, 1929 – February 18, 2026 Jean Duke Tilleman passed away peacefully at 7:53 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18th, 2026, in Cardston, Alberta, Canada at the age of 96. Jean is survived by her children: Cherie (Dave) Glenn of Draper, Utah; Sharon (Birt – deceased) Herbst of McComb, Illinois; John (Kay) of Lethbridge, Alberta and Karl (Holly) of Phoenix, Arizona. She was predeceased by her beloved husband and eternal companion, William Arthur (Bill), and her sons, Brian Arthur and William Arthur II (Sandra). She leaves behind 21 grandchildren and 54 great grandchildren, all of whom knew her as a source of comfort, wisdom and strength.
The oldest of seven children, Jean was born in Mantua, Utah on September 14, 1929, to Harold Clyde and Daisy Lenora (Jensen) Duke. She lived with her two brothers, Merrell and Harold; and four sisters, Velma, Carolyn, Sherma and Jeanette. The family moved around many times to farms in Box Elder County, Utah. From a very young age, she worked in farm fields picking and harvesting fruits and vegetables to support her family. She went to school in Brigham City and loved learning and enthusiastically applying herself in the classroom. Jean discovered in the fifth grade that she was a poet and her writings were shared with family and friends throughout the years. In high school she was awarded the “Outstanding Business Student.” She furthered her education and was awarded a scholarship to attend Weber State College.
A stalwart member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she dedicated her life to serving and building the Lord’s kingdom on earth in many capacities. Jean had a deeply rooted testimony of the Gospel, and her faith was evident in her actions as she was obedient to all she was taught from a young age. From childhood, she developed a passion for studying the scriptures. Throughout her life, she influenced and inspired people of all ages through sharing her knowledge of scripture and the words of the Prophets. Jean was also a role model of righteousness in her leadership capacities in the community and her church. She deeply loved working in the Cardston Alberta Temple for 12 years.
She met her handsome and brilliant husband, Bill, while she was working as an executive secretary at the Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah. They were married on December 31, 1953. She was a faithful companion to Bill, supporting him in his many educational pursuits, career goals and on their wheat farm in Montana. Together, they moved their family from Utah to Wisconsin before immigrating to Canada in 1974 so Bill could teach at the University of Calgary (and mom could be closer to a Temple).
Jean wore out her life serving in leadership and numerous other callings in the Church. She cherished the opportunity to serve God and others. Among her varied callings, Jean was a Stake Relief Society President three times, a beloved seminary and institute teacher for over a decade, and a Gospel Doctrine Teacher and Ward Primary President two times. All her sons served full-time missions and all her children were sealed in the Temple.
Jean was an energetic and productive homemaker and mother to her family. Alongside Bill, they enjoyed growing a garden of flowers and vegetables. She was known for her delicious cooking and baking. Jean was very thoughtful at sending birthday and Christmas greetings to her family and friends every year including the last Christmas preceding her death.
She had a beautiful voice and sang in duets, trios and choirs in the church. Jean was also a very spiritual and eloquent public speaker and spoke in church regularly. She became involved in the ‘Daughters of the Utah Pioneers’ and was Captain of the Calgary Centennial Camp & Cardston DUP Camp for 9 years. Her pioneer heritage was a tremendous blessing in her life.
Jean’s mind was brilliant and sharp to the very end of her life. She loved to read good books and was a faithful genealogist and family historian, writing daily in her journal for decades of her life, compiling photo albums, scrapbooks, and a “Book of Remembrance.” Every week she would summarize her daily journals on an electric typewriter. She wrote in her journal until the last days of her life. Her journals and personal history are sacred treasures for her posterity.
Upon Bill’s retirement and in accordance with Jean’s desires, they moved from Calgary to Cardston to be closer to the Temple. In Cardston they were blessed to associate with many more lifelong friends. Jean desired to remain in her home, and she accomplished that desire for all but a few months of her 96+ years of life.
As a true disciple of Jesus Christ, Jean lived a rich and full life centered on loving and serving others. She possessed a remarkable ability to connect with people and provide inspired counsel to so many in personal, heartfelt ways. Jean let God prevail in her life. Jean’s kind Christlike life will live on forever in the hearts of her family and many others.
The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cardston Alberta Stake Centre, 338 5th Ave. E., Cardston, on Saturday, February 28th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Friends may meet the family at the Church from 10:00 – 10:45 am, prior to the service. Interment to follow in the Cardston Cemetery.
To Watch the Service or send condolences please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

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SHADE, Christine SHADE CHRISTINE SHADE, Paahtomahksikimiakii, passed away on February 16, 2026 in Spring Coulee, AB at the age of 86 years. The Wake Service will be held on Wednesday, February 25 from 7:00 – 11:00 pm at Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, February 26 at 12:00 pm at Senator Gladstone Hall. Interment will follow at the Shade Family Cemetery, Blood Reserve.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

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JASPERSON, Catherine “Katie” JASPERSON CATHERINE TERESA “KATIE” JASPERSON, beloved wife of the late Roy Frederick Jasperson, passed away in Cardston, Alberta on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the age of 89 years. She is survived by her 6 children – Alan (Verna), Brian (Tamara), Jennifer, Frank (Jenn), Duane (Lisa), and Donald (Christine); 7 grandchildren; 7 great- grandchildren.
Friends may meet the family at the South Hill Chapel, 950 Main Street, Cardston, on Saturday, February 28th from 10:00 – 10:45 am. The Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 am with Pastor Matt Deneault officiating. Interment to follow in the Cardston Cemetery.
To watch the Funeral Service LATER or send condolences please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

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COWARD, Frederick COWARD FREDERICK WILLIAM COWARD, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Gail Coward, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at the age of 90 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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BARON, Janice JANICE BARON 1951 – 2026 Ms. Janice Baron, of Warner, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Milk River Long-term Care Centre.
She is survived by her two loving sons Jesse and Tanner Baron.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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