- Alberta, Canada, Marriages Index, 1898-1944 -
- Alberta, Newspaper BMD Index, 1889-2012 -
- Shop now for incredible insights into your wellbeing -
Janice Elizabeth Smits
Mrs. Janice Elizabeth Smits, of Okotoks, beloved wife of John, was taken to be with her Lord and Saviour on February 9, 1999 at the age of 33 years.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband; her four children, Justin, Tamara, Alysha and Tyler; her father, Fred Plews; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Leslie (Graham) Buzzard and Elaine (Alvin) Braumberger; as well as her husband's family, Walter and Gelske Smits, Evelyn and Ralph Mulder, Theresa and Dave Roberts, Harold and Bevin Smits; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
1 John 4:19 'We love Him because He first loved us.'
Funeral services were held at Okotoks Alliance Church on Saturday, Feb. 13, 1999 at 1 pm. Pastor Tim Brazeau officiated. Interment followed at Okotoks Union Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Smits family nanny support fund at either the Okotoks Royal Bank or Okotoks CIBC branches.
Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home (Okotoks) Ltd. Phone 938-3111.
Rita Therese Coats
Rita Therese Coats (nee Canadien), born on Oct. 12, 1949 in Fort Providence, NWT was cruelly taken from her beloved family on Sept. 9, 1998 at the age of 48 years. She is survived by her loving husband of 27 years, Alasdair Coats; her three children, Bruno (Amy), Bettina (David) and Shawn; and grandson Shawn David. Also left to grieve are her mother Madelaine; sisters, Corrinne, Georgina (Frank), Albertine (Vernon) and Elsie (Mark); brothers, Xavier (Margaret Ann), Peter (Phoebe), Michael (Charlotte), and Joseph (Priscilla); and numerous nephews and nieces. Also left to mourn her tragic loss are her mother-in-law Agnes and sister-in-law Marion (Douglas, Stephen and Graham).
Rita trained and worked as a nurse in the NWT as well as pursuing careers as a social worker and court worker. However, Rita's true passion was raising her three children to walk this earth with honor and dignity, and in this most important task, she excelled. The lessons she taught her children will be her legacy.
Rita loved the outdoors and was blessed with many wonderful moments in some of Canada and Scotland's most beautiful places. Her tragic passing leaves us to cherish our many memories of her quick wit and loving ways. Although Rita was a member of the Fort Providence Dene Band, she loved to attend southern pow wows. At the Siksika Fair held this past August, she was blessed with a visit from her mother-in-law Agnes and her daughter Tina with her new baby Shawn David. She particularly enjoyed it when baby Shawn toddled over to the drum and joined in the singing. Rita's life was her family, and in this way she shall live on. May she rest in peace.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, Sept. 18, 1998 at 2 pm at the Diamond Gospel Chapel, Black Diamond. Pastor Art Siemens officiating. A private family inurnment at Foothills Cemetery will follow the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to either STARS Air Ambulance, Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park N.E., Calgary, AB, t2E 8M7 or to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home (Okotoks) Ltd. Phone 938-3111.
Alice Marie Skow
Mrs. Alice Marie Skow, of Okotoks, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the High River Hospital and Nursing Home on Sept. 19, 1998 at the age of 91 years. Alice will be dearly missed by her children, Dick (Joyce) of Moyie, BC, Betty (Frank) Goettler of Okotoks, Pat Nicholson (John Vaselenak) of Red Deer and Sonny (Twila) of Okotoks; 10 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. Alice is also survived by her sister Verna (Bob) Rose of Corvallis, Oregon. She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur in June, 1969.
Alice was born in Falmouth, Maine on April 24, 1907. In 1912, Alice moved with her family to New York. In 1924 they moved to Redvers, Sask. where her father built the first Lutheran Church. This is where she met Arthur and they were married in 1928. They moved to Calgary where they operated an electrical business on 17th Ave., which the depression put an end to. In 1948 they moved to Okotoks. Alice was always supportive in her husband Arthur's various business enterprises. She will also be remembered by many, as the owner and operator of the Gift Cottage, which featured many of her own artist endeavors. Alice was also a Life Member of the O.O.R.P. #43, Okotoks.
Funeral services were held at Snodgrass Funeral Chapel, Okotoks on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 1998 at 2 pm. Ms. Marilyn Evans of the Okotoks United Church officiated. Interment followed at the Okotoks Union Cemetery. If desired, in memory of Alice, tributes may be made to the High River & District Health Care Foundation, 2nd Floor, 500 - 9th Ave. West, High River, T1V 1B3 or to the Okotoks United Church, Box 507, Okotoks, T0L 1T0. Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home (Okotoks) Ltd. Phone 938-3111.
Christina Jean Blight
Christina Jean Blight of High River passed away suddenly at the Foothills Hospital, Calgary on August 31, 1998 at the age of 65 years. She will be sadly missed by her daughter Susan (Hugh) McPherson, Longview, her son Bruce (Kim) Blight, Calgary, and her grandchildren Shelly (Jarret) Scott, Scott (Staci) McPherson and Heather and Jillian McPherson. She is also survived by her sister Audrey (Jack) Johnstone, Victoria, BC. Christina was predeceased by her husband Richard Blight on July 13, 1996 and her brothers Donald and Roger MacNeil.
Chris was born and raised in Okotoks. She married Richard Blight in 1950 and with Dick's employment lived in Calgary, High River, Red Deer, Okotoks and then retired to High River. Wherever Chris lived she planted a vegetable garden and took pleasure in tending as many flower gardens as the yard would allow. Each of her homes had her own special decorating touch.
Chris was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She always put her family first and was there for all of life's tragedies and celebrations. Her various employments involved serving others and treating people well. She always found time to support many charities and community groups and to help whenever there was a problem, illness, trouble or a crisis. Chris became a lifetime member of The Order of Royal Purple in the spring of 1998.
Chris was a loving, kind, generous person who loved to laugh and to pass on a good story or joke. She always had some great dessert prepared for family gatherings and a special treat in her purse for the grandchildren. Chris was always giving. Her willing hands and sense of humour will be missed by her family and friends. She has left a large hole in the lives of those who knew her.
Funeral services were held at Snodgrass Funeral Chapel, Okotoks on Saturday, September 5, with Reverend Douglas Moffat officiating. Interment was at Okotoks Union Cemetery.
William Walter Linn
William Walter Linn passed away at the Colonel Belcher Veteran's Care Center in Calgary on Oct. 11, 1998 at the age of 91 years.
Walter is survived by his wife Ada, son Tom, grandsons John and Thomas, daughter Audrey Smith, son-in-law Donald Smith and Walter's sister Jessie Knight.
At Walter's request there will be no service held. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Walter's memory to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home (Okotoks) Ltd. Phone 938-3111.
Joyce Marie Bowman
Mrs. Joyce Marie Bowman, of Turner Valley, passed away at the Oilfields Hospital, Black Diamond on June 9, 1999 at the age of 79 years. Joyce Bowman is survived by her sons, Allan Bowman and John McDonald Bowman, both of Turner Valley. She was predeceased by her husband, John J. Bowman on March 31, 1985.
Funeral services were held at St. George's Anglican Church, Turner Valley on Monday, June 14 at 2 pm. Following cremation, her cremains were placed in the 'Just As I Am' Columbarium, Highwood Cemetery, High River. If desired, contributions may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 215 - 12 Ave. SE, Calgary, T2G 1A2 or the Oilfields Hospital, Bag 1, Black Diamond, T0L 0H0.
Joyce's family would especially like to thank Dr. Valerie Congdon, Dr. Brian Siray and Dr. Les Cunning and all of the medical staff of Oilfields Hospital for their excellent care and attention during her final illness.
Snodgrass Funeral Home Ltd. (652-2222 or 938-3111) directors.
Dorothy Gladys Miller
Mrs. Dorothy Gladys Miller of Markerville, Alberta passed away at the Innisfail Health Care Centre at the age of 75 years.
Dorothy served with the RCAF in World War II. In 1945 she married Jack Miller. They farmed near Okotoks until, in 1960, the family moved to a farm near Markerville and lived there until her passing.
Dorothy was predeceased by her parents William Richard and Nora Gladys Day. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Jack, of Markerville; one daughter, Janice (Terry) and children Sarah, Rebecca and Cody; one son, Jeffery (Marianne) and children Ken and Karen. She is also survived by one brother, Dick Day of London, Ontario and one sister Elizabeth Chalmers of West Vancouver, BC.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, June 15, 1999 at St. Marks Anglican Church, Innisfail with Rev. Ken Wells officiating. Interment in the Field of Honor, Innisfail.
If friends so desire, tributes may be made to STARS or St. Marks Anglican Church, Innisfail. Arrangements made by Metcalf Funeral Chapel, Innisfail.
Beatrice Nancy Adair
Mrs. Beatrice Nancy Adair, of the Black Diamond, Turner Valley area, passed away quietly at the Oilfields General Hospital on Sept. 24, 1998 at the age of 81, following a determined five-year battle with cancer.
Born in Robinson, North Dakota, Beatrice was raised in the Swan Hills area of northern Alberta, later joining her sister Virginia and husband Harry Wileman in 1938 at Highwood Ranger Station. Beatrice was part of the kitchen staff for Mrs. Guy Weadick one Labor Day weekend. She married Delbert Archie Adair on Nov. 7, 1939 and for many years, life revolved around his job at the Purity 99 gas refinery northeast of Longview.
In 1961, Delbert, Beatrice and their two daughters set sail on the S.S. Canberra for Auckland, New Zealand, with a move a year later to New South Wales, Australia, returning to relocate in Black Diamond in 1964.
An avid gardener and zealous worker, Beatrice has been well known in the district for her thousands of volunteer hours helping people to understand the Bible. She loved travelling, learning, reading and life.
She leaves behind her daughters Margaret Anne Adair of Dubbo, Australia and Wendy (Cliff) Codd of Turner Valley; also grandchildren Travis (Shawna) Codd of Black Diamond, Melodie Codd of Calgary, Andrea (Jeremy) Oakley of Vermillion, and Jared and Lindsay Codd of Turner Valley. Beatrice is also survived by brothers Stanley Sloan of High Prairie, Allen Sloan of Merritt, BC, sisters Esther King of Calgary, Virginia Wileman of Kelowna, BC, Dorothy Sloan of Sundre, sister-in-law Ella Sloan of Kinuso, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Delbert Adair in 1985, parents Tom and Nellie Sloan, brothers Orville of Cold Lake and Wayne of Kinuso, AB.
A memorial service was held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Black Diamond on Saturday, Sept. 26 with family friend John Renwick officiating.
Dorothy (Wakeford) Kelly
Dorothy (Wakeford) Kelly, born April 27, 1904 passed away in Edmonton on Sunday, August 30, 1998 at the age of 94 years. She was predeceased by her husband, Glen Kelly on January 19, 1986.
They were married on December 18, 1926. Dorothy worked at the Bar U Ranch as a cook and later took up hair cutting in Edmonton. Dorothy and Glen moved to various places with the CNR, including Sexsmith, Hythe, Grande Prairie and Beaver Lodge. After retiring they lived in Calgary. Dorothy was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, as well as the Daughters of the Nile in Edmonton.
They had one child, Bob (Betty) of Vancouver, two grandchildren, Brenda and Glean, three great-grandchildren and several nephews and nieces in and around High River, Okotoks and Turner Valley. She was predeceased by her parents, Charlie and Bertha Wakeford of Gladys Ridge, her brothers, Percy and Andy Wakeford and sister, Lottie (Mrs. Lloyd St. Clair). Memorial services were held on Saturday, September 5, 1998 at 2 pm at #603, 521 - 110 Street, Edmonton.
Kenneth Arthur Stuart
Kenneth Arthur Stuart passed away on May 31, 1999 at the age of 55 years. He is survived by his loving wife Judy; mother Vera; children, Randy Stuart (Joan), Black Diamond, Leah (Dave) Beattie, Beaver Falls, BC and Trina (Marty) Platt, West Virginia, USA; stepsons, Allan (Noni) and Layne (Cheryl) Wooley, Vancouver, BC; six grandchildren, Brady, Autum, Danielle, Nichole, Darcy and Travis; five sisters, Hazel (Gary) Doell, Donna (Rick) Chad, Bonnie (John) Mitchel, Vera Kuselka (Gary), Verna (Rob) Leman; two brothers, Ben (Dianne) Mitchell and Larry Stuart (Rose); and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was predeceased by sister Florence (1942), granddaughter Nadine (1984), father Art (1985) and sister Peggy (1991).
Ken started to work on the oil rigs when he was 15, then operated his own water trucks, drove long distance and spent 13 years as Public Works foreman for the Town of Black Diamond. He operated his own fuel delivery business and at the time of his passing, was hamlet foreman at Priddis Greens Golf and Country Club. He would spend many an hour, day or night, making sure the residents and golfers had good drinking water, but never could understand anyone wanting to walk around chasing a little ball! Involvement with the community over the years included the Lions Club, Legion, BDAAA and coaching minor hockey and baseball. He liked raft races, broomball, water skiing, fishing, woodworking, western books, nature and making last minute parade floats. He spent hours watching the fish in his pond “that was renovated and added to each year,” and building his bird houses. He was known for his calm and gentle nature and will be missed by all.
Funeral services were held at Snodgrass Funeral Home in Okotoks on June 4, 1999. Tributes in Ken’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.
Joy James (Kelly)
Joy James (Kelly) of Okotoks, born July 29, 1953 passed away on June 10, 1999 in Calgary. Joy is survived by her son, Kurtis Kelly; mother, Phyllis James; siblings, Donald, Lynn, Wayne, Bonnie and Lori; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
A memorial service was held at the residence of Buddy and Lori Hamilton at DeWinton on Sunday, June 12, 1999 at 1 pm.
If desired, memorial tributes may be made to the Villa Recovery Center for Women, 2005A - 10 Ave. S.W., Calgary, T3C 0J8.
Dorothy (Wakeford) Kelly
Dorothy (Wakeford) Kelly, born April 27, 1904 passed away in Edmonton on Sunday, August 30, 1998 at the age of 94 years. She was predeceased by her husband, Glen Kelly on January 19, 1986.
They were married on December 18, 1926. Dorothy worked at the Bar U Ranch as a cook and later took up hair cutting in Edmonton. Dorothy and Glen moved to various places with the CNR, including Sexsmith, Hythe, Grande Prairie and Beaver Lodge. After retiring they lived in Calgary. Dorothy was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, as well as the Daughters of the Nile in Edmonton.
They had one child, Bob (Betty) of Vancouver, two grandchildren, Brenda and Glean, three great-grandchildren and several nephews and nieces in and around High River, Okotoks and Turner Valley. She was predeceased by her parents, Charlie and Bertha Wakeford of Gladys Ridge, her brothers, Percy and Andy Wakeford and sister, Lottie (Mrs. Lloyd St. Clair). Memorial services were held on Saturday, September 5, 1998 at 2 pm at #603, 521 - 110 Street, Edmonton.
