In Memoriam - 2011
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Fallon Rae (Blanchette) Frederick |
Jean Guy Vanier
Jean Guy Vanier passed away on Saturday, December 24th, 2011, at the age of 59 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his step daughter Michelle Schwan (Tom Armitage): three grandchildern Evan, Jordon, Alex, as well as a vast amount of dear family and friends.
The Funerul Service will be held in the Westminster United Church on Friday, January 13th 2012 at 3:30pm with Rev. James Ferrell officiating.
Wilbur Lemon
July 9, 1926 - December 8, 2011
Mr. Wilbur Lemon, beloved husband of Mrs. Grace Lemon of Medicine Hat, passed away on Thursday, December 8th, 2011 at the age of 85 years. Wilbur also leaves to cherish his memory four sons, Allen (Lois) of Camrose, AB, Dwight (Carol) of Simmie, SK, Gregory (Barbara) of Saskatoon, SK, and Rodney of Swift Current, SK; one daughter, Andrea (Greg) Tunstall of Regina, SK; eight grandchildren, Neal (Tatyana) Lemon and their son, Maxime, Scott (Natacha) Lemon, Andrew Tunstall (Becky), Amy Lemon, Jordan (Ashley) Tunstall and their son, Tristan, Tracy (Brent) Follensbee and their son, Braxton, Gillian Thomas and Hilary Lemon; two brothers, Don of St. Thomas, Ontario, and Bonne (Byrle) of Winnipeg; two sisters, Marian Lunstrom of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Carol (George) Newland of Jacksonville, Alabama; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as Grace’s family.
Wilbur was born to James and Maude Lemon at Mair, Saskatchewan on July 9th, 1926 and was the eleventh of twelve children. Wilbur joined the army in Regina in 1944, and was about to mobilize overseas when the war ended. After the war, he found employment working with his oldest brother, James, in Willmar, SK at the Searle Elevator.
At Willmar in 1948, a young eighteen-year-old woman named Gracie May Edmunds went head-over-heels for him while attending a Christmas concert dance. On July 12th, 1950, Wilbur married his sweetheart, Grace, in Willmar. Wilbur and his new wife’s first elevator posting was Thundercreek. Their first child, Allan, was born in the nearby town of Central Butte. After Thundercreek, the family was posted in Simmie and Esmie before moving to Milestone in 1953, where the next four children were born, Dwight, Gregory, Rodney, and Andrea.
In 1969, Wilbur decided to change careers and purchased the Imperial Oil agency in Milestone. After four successful years of selling fuel, he decided to move to Tisdale to run the Imperial Oil there. In Tisdale, the business was very successful and was one of the first agricultural businesses to own and operate anhydrous ammonia fertilizer applicators for farming. In 1979, Wilbur moved to Morinville, AB to run the Imperial Oil facility. In 1983, he decided to retire from the bulk oil business and moved to Regina. Retired life did not agree with him so for the next ten years he worked for various agricultural businesses in Saskatchewan. In 1985, Wilbur and Grace moved to Saskatoon and then to Medicine Hat in 1994, where Wilbur decided to fully retire. Amongst Wilbur’s interests were a 65-year Legion Membership, square dancing, baseball, army cadets, curling, volunteer fire department, and many community service groups.
Violet Helena Worth
March 3,1908 - October 2, 2011
Mrs. Violet Helena Worth (Whetstone) born March 3, 1908 in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan passed away October 2, 2011 in Medicine Hat with her family at her side at the age of 103 years, beloved wife of the late Robert Worth. She leaves to cherish her memory one son Jack and his wife Shirley of Strathmore; two granddaughters, Lisa Worth and Christina Chambers both of Calgary; her great grandson Benjamin Robert Worth; three nieces, Carol Symington of Redcliff, Ann Scheer of Strathmore and Shirley Crozier of Scarborough Ontario and two cousins, Don Stone of Edmonton and Marion Fisher of Cheltenhan, England. Vi was predeceased by her husband Bob, their son Bobbie; her mother, Catherine and father David Whetstone; a brother, Dave Jr. and her wonderful sister Marjorie.
Vi grew up in the Golden Prairie district and moved to Maple Creek during the First Great War. Her family moved to Medicine Hat in 1921when her father returned from the war. Vi was an avid athlete. She loved to run in both high school and provincial meets. She enjoyed nothing better in winter than skating on the local rinks. Vi and her family spent many holidays in both Elkwater and Banff camping outdoors and enjoying the simple life. Vi was an enthusiastic gardener and loved to walk when and where ever possible.
She met Robert Worth and they eloped in Lethbridge, July 23rd 1934 after a long courtship. They were blessed with a little red headed boy, William Robert Worth on October 18, 1935. Wee Bobbie died April 25th 1938. The loss left a huge void in there lives. July 8th 1943, they had a second son Jack. Vi was involved with the Westminster Church Cub pack for many years. She always loved a good time and her Canasta Club was just that, enjoying a good game of cards, and dressing for the occasion.
ALBERT VERDUN PARK
February 19,1916 - August 21, 2011
Mr. Albert Verdun Park, beloved husband of Violet May Park for 60 years, of Medicine Hat, passed away peacefully at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on August 21, 2011 at the age of 95 years.
Verd also leaves to cherish his memory his seven children; GARY of Hamilton, ON., MILDRED (Jerry) Danyluk of Canora, SK., VERA (Dave) Ilsley of Calgary, AB., HELEN (Wayne) Wilkins of Saskatoon, SK., DONALD (Gloria) Park of Kerrobert, SK., THELMA (Bryce) Hassard of Elkwater, AB., LORRAINE (Rod) Seitz of Medicine Hat, AB., 19 grandchildren; Danny, Robert (Chrystal), Christalee (James); Bryce, Jarett (Andrea); Heather, Robert (Michelle), Susan (Felipe); Anna (Hayden), Eliot, Ian; Kevin (Alison), Neil (Crystal), Allison, Derek; Brett, Clay; Dylan and Darren; 12 great-grandchildren; Tyson, Johnny, Cassie; Arissa; Felix, Jaxon; Emma, Nolan; Alyssa, Brayden; Marissa and Carson. Verd was predeceased by his father, John, mother, Isabella and his 11 siblings.
Verd was born in a sod shack on the family farm at NE 36-35-22-W3, RM of Mariposa 350 Saskatchewan. He enlisted in the Canadian Army serving overseas in the RCCS as a Signalman from 1942 to 1946. Upon returning to Canada, Dad took up farming with his father and two brothers. He met Violet Erikson of Battrum, SK., and they were married July 22, 1951. Mom and Dad operated a mixed farm at Broadacres, SK., where they raised their seven children.
In the summer of 1980, they left the farm and retired to Medicine Hat. Dad loved being a farmer and looking after his livestock. Some of his favourite activities were watching all kinds of sports, dancing and playing cards at the Veiner Center, reading, fishing, travelling in their motorhome, and family gatherings. Verd was known for his sense of humour (especially his ‘one-of-a-kind’ sayings), and his love of family and friends. He wanted to be remembered for being a good father and for all of us not to grieve, as he lived a long and enjoyable life.
FALLON RAE (BLANCHETTE) FREDERICK
April 8, 1981 - August 1, 2011
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Fallon Rae (Blanchette) Frederick at the age of 30 on August 1, 2011 in Rogers, Arkansas, USA.
Fallon was predeceased by her grandfathers’; Horace Patterson and Mike Koch. Fallon is survived by her daughter Abigail Frederick, as well as Abigail’s father, Darrel Frederick, both of Huntsville, Arkansas. She is also survived by her mother, Wanda Terry (Brian Carlson) of Calgary, AB., father Al Blanchette; brother Rick (Heather) Terry, Taren, Harleigh and Ridge of Irvine, AB.; sister Cynthia (Jerry) Varga, Chais, Kyler, Jordan and Arika of Medicine Hat, AB. Her second family, the Bergs’; Michelle, Clayton, Colton, Kaitlin, Jayce, Mikayla and Harlow of Brooks, AB. Very special friend, Jack Tjeerdema of Brooks, AB. Grandmother Mary Koch of Weyburn, SK; also numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Fallon was born April 8, 1981 in Brooks, where she enjoyed her young years. She later moved to Arkansas where she married Darrel and they had their beautiful daughter, Abigail. She spent some of her time working on their chicken ranch. She had joke it would probably be difficult to find Prada rubber boots to wear while working in the chicken houses. She not only had a love for the finer things in life, she has been quoted as saying “Every woman should have one diamond, one no one can ever take away, one she can call her own”, but a genuine love for the people who touched her life. Fallon will always be remembered fondly for her beautiful smile and infectious laugh.
Gladys “Peggy” Isobel Hungerford
Gladys “Peggy” Isobel Hungerford, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on July 24, 2011.
She was predeceased in February of this year by her husband of 59 years, Orrin , and her sister, Meryl Walsh; brother, Ray Murray; brothers-in-law, Bill (Lucille) Beattie, Merlin (Wilda) Hungerford and sister-in-law, Leora (Jim) Heintz. Peggy leaves to cherish her memory, her son Gordon (Maureen - nee Ross); daughters, Lori (Jim) Hainstock and Edith (Dale) Schneider; grandchildren, Ian (Patricia - nee Swarbruck), Kelsey (Kevin) Klapatiuk, Megan (Kris) vanWitsen, Mackenzie and Riley Hainstock, and Sierra and Cheyenne Schneider; great grandchildren, Aidan Lee and Myles Klapatiuk. She is also survived by her sisters, Jean Boyce and Ethyl Watts.
Peggy was born in 1925 at Pennant, Saskatchewan, the youngest daughter in a family of five children to John (Jack) Gartley Murray and Hilda Rawbone. She was raised in Kyle, Saskatchewan and took her early schooling at Twilight School. Her family travelled to Ontario during the depression for work and Peggy studied for two years at a school there. They returned to Kyle where Peggy finished her schooling, graduating grade 12. In 1942, when Peggy was 16 years old, she travelled alone by train to London, Ontario where her three sisters lived and made her contribution to the war effort working for General Steel on the assembly line. Peggy’s job was to rivet hinges on the ammunition boxes. She was a true “Rosie the riveter” complete with coveralls and a kerchief on her head.
In 1945, Peggy returned to Saskatchewan and worked for the Kyle Hotel. She married William (Bill) Clyde Stephenson in 1948. A son, Gordon, was born in January 1949. Just six months later, Bill was killed in a car accident. Peggy went to work on the Larson brother’s farm, tending house and cooking meals for the hired men.
In November of 1951, she married Orrin Franklin Hungerford and they made their first home in Eston. In 1957, Orrin went to work for the Oakland brothers and they moved to the farm where daughter Lori was born in 1960. In 1963, they moved to Medicine Hat where Orrin worked for the Northwest Fertilizer plant until 1986. Second daughter, Edith was born in 1964. The family home, in which they lived for 46 years, was built in 1965. Peggy took great pride in her home as she was meticulous housekeeper. She was also a great cook and baker. Peggy was famous for her pies, homemade donuts and her overnight buns. Peggy enjoyed visiting with friends and family and always looked forward to a good game of Bridge. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and enjoyed camping trips, attending sports games and dance competitions as well as numerous “tea” parties where she never tired of being the delighted and honoured guest. Peggy’s family was her joy and she was an unselfish and giving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. We will miss her but are grateful for the time we had together.
Henry Da Rosa
The family of Henry Da Rosa are sad to inform you that Henry passed away on Sunday, July 17th, 2011 at the age of 82 years.
He will be remembered by his brother Manual (Maria) Da Rosa, Medicine Hat, also Joe, Frank, Jim, Lourdes, Domingos, and sister Rosline, nephew Jorge (Cindy) Da Rosa, Medicine Hat and Joe Da Rosa of Medicine Hat, his step-sons Roger (Darlene) Duchcherer of Vauxhall, Irvin (Leona) Duchcherer of Medicine Hat, step-daughter Sharon (Jim) Hardin of Shaunavon Saskatchewan, and step daughter in-law Joyce Duchcherer of Gledon, Alberta, numerous grandchildren, great grand-children, great great grand-children, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother Inacia Da Rosa in 1986, his dad Antanio in 1994, his wife Leya on July 31, 2005, Sisters Rosa and Maria, step-son Leon in 1996, step grand-son Darcy in 1987.
Henry moved to Canada in 1957. He worked for the CPR at Leader Saskatchewan, moved to Medicine Hat in 1960 and on November 23 1963 married Leya Duchcherer. Henry worked for North West Fertilizer until his retirement.
IRWIN FARMER
1930 ~ 2011
Irwin Farmer, beloved husband of the late Elaine Farmer, passed away on Thursday, July 14, 2011 at the age of 80 years.
Irwin leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Joanne Farmer (Denis Pajot); his son, Michael (Laurie) Farmer; grandchildren, Scott and Ashley. Irwin was predeceased by his wife Elaine, his parents, Zeryl and Ethel Farmer, his brother Arnold Farmer and his sister Eileen Huff. Irwin was born in Kenville, Manitoba on October 8, 1930.
He married Elaine on August 6, 1953 in Kenville, Manitoba. They lived in Flin Flon and moved to the Swan River Valley in 1955 where they farmed until moving to Medicine Hat in 1969. Irwin was an avid hockey fan who attended Tiger games at the arena and listened to the games on the radio when they were on road. He enjoyed the serenity of the outdoors whether it was on the golf course, camping or fishing. He and Elaine shared a love of travel and their favourite destination, Maui, Hawaii. Irwin will be remembered for his sense of humour, gentle personality and most importantly, his love of family. He touched many lives over the years and will be fondly remembered by all who have met him.
Jason Oster
Jason Grant Rockford Oster passed away peacefully in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, June 8, 2011, at the age of 35 years. Jason was born on October 20, 1975, in Medicine Hat. He is survived by two sons, Carter and Ethan Oster and their mother, Elizabeth (Olive). Jason is also survived by his parents, Gordon and Maureen; grandparents, Alvin and Marg Mattson; sisters, Jennifer and Melanie (Steve Rattai); Nieces, Rylee and Corianne and brother, Stacey. Jason also leaves many aunts, uncles and cousins behind. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Alfred and Ottela Oster.
Jason’s love and gratitude for family was unsurpassed. His greatest love was for his boys, Carter and Ethan.
A Celebration of Jason’s life will be held at the Westminster United Church, 101 - 6 Street S.E., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, June 15, 2011, at 1:30 P.M. with Reverend James Farrell officiating.
Harold Robert "Bob" Haney
1937 ~ HANEY ~ 2011
Mr. Harold Robert "Bob" Haney, beloved husband of Mrs. Darlene Haney of Medicine Hat, passed away on Tuesday, June 7th, 2011 at the age of 73 years.
Bob also leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Bill (Darolyn) Haney and Geoff Haney; four grandchildren, Leigha, Abigael, Chelsey and children, David and Taylor, and Jamieson; one sister, Marjorie Ann (Alvin) Metz; Darlene's sister and brothers, Fern, Al (Kathy) and Kelly (Sue); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Harold and Beatrice Haney.
Bob was born and raised in Carmichael, Saskatchewan and, at the age of 23, married the love of his life, Darlene Church. Bob drove truck for most of his working life and had his own trucking business, R. Haney Trucking. Bob was always willing to give of his time whether it was volunteering for the Optimists, raising money for the Canadian Cancer Society or driving people to medical appointments. Bob loved golfing, camping, fishing and watching the Saskatchewan Roughriders and Toronto Blue Jays. But his greatest passion was his family, especially his grandchildren who he bragged about to everyone. Bob and Darlene recently celebrated their 50th anniversary, surrounded by family and friends.
The Funeral Service will be held in WESTMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 101 – 6th Street SE, on Friday, June 10th, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. with Reverend James Farrell officiating.
Patricia Merle Ross
Patricia Merle Ross passed away in her sleep on Sunday, May 15, 2011, at the age of 74 years. Patricia was born on July 24, 1936 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she grew up. After serving in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1956 and 1957, she started a family and moved to Medicine Hat in 1965.
She leaves to cherish her memory, four children, Wayne (Cindy) Ross, Kimberley Rickert, Vincent Ross (LaRene Skoblack) and Douglas (Kate) Ross; three grandchildren, Michelle Rickert, Sarah Ross and Michael Ross; two step-grandchildren, Devin Skoblack and Dallas Skoblack as well as one great grandchild, Deneille Rickert, all of Medicine Hat. She is also survived by one brother, Brian (Karen) Roscoe of Morinville, Alberta; three sisters, Doreen Roscoe, Gene (Sonny) Sanderson, Joanne (John) Rosentretter and one step-son, Wayne (Sandra) Kochie, all of Winnipeg, Manitoba, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Bruno and Bernice Roscoe of Winnipeg, Manitoba and her dear friend, Jacqueline Packard of Medicine Hat.
Patricia loved gardening, baking, cooking, crocheting, playing cards, dancing, animals, and a good joke. In 1996 she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, which slowly took all that she loved away. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Peggy Lee Macdonald
Peggy Lee Macdonald passed away on Saturday, April 9, 2011, at the age of 53 years.
She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Michelle Schwan (Tom Armitage); her partner of 35 years, Jean Vanier; her parents Gordon (Betty) Macdonald; three grandchildren, Evan, Jordon and Alex; two brothers, Grant (Carol) Macdonald and Scott Macdonald (Lorraine Teske); and two sisters, Donna (Greg) MacPherson and Dorothy Macdonald as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Monday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from 2:00 to 2:55 pm.
The funeral service will be held in PATTISON CHAPEL on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. James Farrell officiating.
As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the S.P.C.A. - 55 Southwest Drive SW, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8E8. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Peggy Macdonald, or you may visit www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca and leave a message of condolence.
Blanche Martha "Mattie" Blair
Blanche Martha, “Mattie” Blair passed away on March 30, 2011, at the age of 98 years, beloved wife of Fenton Blair.
She also leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Pat (Stan) Bohnet; daughter-in-law, Connie Blair; five grandchildren, Jim (Marilyn), Scott (Rose), Kelly (Robert), Barb (Curt) and Blair; numerous great grandchildren and her favourite friend Mandy.
She was predeceased by her parents, Martha and Thomas J. Stephenson; her son Bill Blair; one sister Grace Jessop and one great grandchild.
Mattie was raised on the McIntyre Ranch and attended the St. Hilda School of Girls in Calgary.
She met Fenton at Olds Agricultural College and knew he was the one! They married in 1935 and spent the next 68 years ranching and farming in Granum, before moving to Medicine Hat in 2003.
Elmer Andrew Schlenker
Elmer Andrew Schlenker of Medicine Hat, passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2011, at the age of 83 years. He will be dearly missed by his wife Gladys his daughter, Marilyn (Jim) Gill, son Gary (Jo) Schlenker both of Medicine Hat, daughter Janice (Clay) Wilson of Cranbrook, B.C. and daughter, Carla (Reese) Klaiber of Medicine Hat; nine grandchildren, Kevin (Richelle) Gill, Amanda and Melissa Schlenker, Lane, Taylor and Carlie Wilson; Morgan, Hayden and Autumn Klaiber; two great grandchildren, Brayden and Jayce Gill; one sister Jean (Lawrence) Pfeifer, one sister-in-law, Verna (William) Stuber and his brother-in-law, Marvin (Ruth) Rath as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Katherina Schlenker and a sister in infancy.
Elmer was born on November 19, 1927 in Medicine Hat, Alberta and was raised on the family farm in the Tothill area southeast of Medicine Hat. Elmer attended Gros Ventre School and worked very hard on the farm and numerous other jobs.
On November 30, 1951, Elmer married Gladys Rath. Together they farmed, ranched, raised four children and with hard work and determination expanded their place. Elmer took much pride in the farm and his Herford cattle and was a well-known rancher.
He started driving school bus in the area in 1968 and retired from his route 27 years later in 1992, continuing to be a spare driver the several years. Elmer also drove chartered buses for many years. He devoted many years to the Unifarm Farmers Association, being president of the Elkwater area and Clearwater district chairman. Elmer was a long time member of the Elkwater Community Association and served on the Board of Directors of the Medicine Hat Co-op. Gladys and Elmer retired from farming to Medicine Hat in 1981.
He always enjoyed attending cattle and bull sales and keeping up to date on his family's farming and ranching activities. Elmer and Gladys enjoyed camping, travelling together and took many trips to Cranbrook. B.C. to visit family. He enjoyed his coffee shop visits and socializing at the Irvine New Horizons Club. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so only at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Wednesday, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. The funeral service will be held in Westminister United Church (101 6 St. SE) on Thursday, March 24, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. James Farrell officiating. A private interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery.
Robert "Rob" N.M. Lapinskie (Jr.)
Robert "Rob" N.M. Lapinskie (Jr.) passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2011, at the age of 42 years.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his parents, Jean and Robert Lapinskie; two
children, Kallan and Abbey and their mother Robert's beloved, Louise Pimentel; his brother, John Lapinskie; his sister, Clare (Darren) MacMillan, and their children, Malcolm, Cait, and Lachlan; his aunt and uncle, Betty (Mac) McSweeny and their children, Julie and Mark as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins in Scotland. Robert grew up in Medicine Hat and graduated from McCoy High School in 1988. He went on to become a millwright and worked his trade for many years. When the work day was finished he went straight to a river, a lake, or a field, to live out his true passion, fishing and hunting. He had two children with Louise and found great comfort and joy sharing his life with them. He was deeply loved by his family who never left his side. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. with Rev. James Farrell officiating. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery.
Orrin Hungerford
Orrin Hungerford, the 4th child in a family of 6 & the eldest son, was born in the family home at Witley, SK. Early schooling was at Mont Rose & high school at Houghton. Orrin joined the navy receiving, basic training at Esquimalt & then was off to sea aboard HMCS 
Crescent. He saw ports from Anchorage, AK to the Panama Canal.
After the navy, Orrin trained as a welder, worked one winter in a lumber camp, then as a cat skinner building roads & dug-outs for the RM of Snipe Lake. He & brother, Norval, operated the Imperial Oil bulk agency in Eston for a couple of years. Orrin then farmed for the Oakland brothers until the fall of '63.
He moved to Medicine Hat working for a fertilizer plant for the next 25 years. Orrin loved baseball & was an accomplished pitcher with the Eston Ramblers. In Medicine Hat, he was a Blue Jays season ticket holder until the franchise folded. He also followed the exploits of the Tigers listening to most games on the radio. Camping with family, hunting & fishing in his native Saskatchewan were among Orrin's favorite outdoor activities. The strong connection to the land resulted in numerous trips home to Eston to visit family members & to help with the harvest.
Orrin achieved 50-year membership recognition with the Masonic Order & 60-year membership with the Royal Canadian Legion. Upon retirement, Orrin spent many happy hours in his workshop producing numerous craft & practical items for friends & family. He had a great love for his grandchildren & they fondly recall the fun times had with him in his great big chair. His grandchildren particularly remember a favorite activity involving the combing of his hair into some wacky or tangled style.
Friendly & always willing to lend a hand, Orrin enjoyed talking to people. His memory for names, faces & events served him well; when meeting new people he often discovered connections to places & people they had in common. Orrin will be greatly missed.
Hilda Welling
November 5, 1911 — January 17, 2011
Mrs. Hilda Welling, beloved wife of the late Mr. Leslie Welling of Medicine Hat, passed 
away peacefully while surrounded by her family at the Haven Care Centre on Monday, January 17, 2011, at the age of 99 years. Hilda leaves to cherish her memory: one daughter, Yvonne Newman; three sons, Len (Carol) Welling of Lethbridge, Jeff (Snookie) Welling and Steve (Annabel) Welling both of Medicine Hat; nine grandchildren, Gary (June) Burns, Randy (Sharon) Burns, Sandy (Barry) Brookes, Leslie Ann (Glenn Carbert) Welling, Denise (Rick Gregg) Schmiegelt, Joelle (Dean O'Brien) Welling, Stephanie (Gerald) Meloney, Sean Welling and Jennifer (Dustin) Brown, as well as fifteen great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and numerous nieces; nephews and their families.
She was predeceased by her husband of 71 years, Leslie Welling, in 2003; daughter, Sandra; grandson, Murray Burns; parents, Charles and Mary Tonberg; sisters, Mary Amos and Anne Ether as well as one brother, Fred Tonberg. Hilda was born on November 5, 1911, on a farm near Seven Persons. She attended school at Joffre and Seven Persons, moving to Medicine Hat for Grade 8 at Connaught School and Grades 9 —12 at Alexandra High School. In 1928, she studied teaching training at Calgary Normal School and from 1929 to 1931, she taught at coun¬try schools south of Seven Persons.
Hilda married Leslie Welling in 1932, and they bought a quarter section of land a mile from her parents' home. They continued to farm during the depression years and later Les gained employment at the Medicine Hat Brick and Tile. While living on the farm they had their first four children. In the 1940's, the family moved to Medicine Hat and lived with Les' mother while they built their own house next door. They lived in the basement of the new house for six years while Les finished the main floor. Hilda clerked at Eaton's for two years in the late 1950's until she was encouraged to return to teaching.
She taught at Seven Persons School for 17 years, starting in 1959. That same fall, she lost her daughter, Sandra at age 15, to cancer. Hilda retired from teaching in 1976. She was a member of Westminster United Church and remained an active member of the Edythe Hewitt UCW Unit during her retirement. Family was always very important to Hilda, and her remaining years were spent watching her loving family grow. In 2002, Hilda and Les sold their family home and moved into Meadowlands Retirement Centre. In October of last year, Hilda moved to the Haven Care Centre, at South Country Village, where she received kind and compassionate care right up to the day of her passing.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Friday, January 21, 2011, between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 RM., as well as on Saturday beginning one hour prior to the service. A Celebration of Hilda's life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel on Saturday, January 22, 2011, at 3:00 RM. with Reverend James Farrell officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. (Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Westminster United Church Memorial Fund, 101 - 6 Street S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1 A 1G7.