ELDER – Betty Sofia Elder, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, friend and all around hip lady passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Monday, November 27, 2017. Betty was 94 years old in body but was much younger in spirit. She kept her impish grin and youthful sense of humour right into her last hours. Betty is pre-deceased by her loving husband, David Elder; an infant son, Ronald Wayne Elder; her special senior suitor, Denver Wagar; her parents, Oscar and Arvida Erickson; her siblings, Gus Erickson, Esther Thompson (George), Ray Erickson (Marie), Elsie Miller (Ray) and Hugo Erickson (Irene); treasured in-laws Bill (Phemia) King and Jean Alderson; son-in-laws Rick Kunz and Jim Cunningham and granddaughter Charlotte Fortney. Betty took care of her own, instilling a deep sense of family into the many that came forth from her. She was the matriarch of a large sometimes dysfunctional brood, one that she was very proud of, loved fiercely and that loved her fiercely in return. Betty was a proud mother and is survived by 8 children – Dorothy (Jim), Tom (Gun-Britt), Faye (Richard), Jim (Suzette), Marie (Tom), Shirley (Keith), Donna (Wes) and Janice (Paul); 21 grandchildren; 47 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. Betty hailed from Amulet, SK., but called Brooks her home for more than 30 years. Betty’s brood would often converge in Brooks for holidays, family gatherings and camping adventures. Memories of times together at the lake and farm will be deeply cherished by those who love her. Betty was a music enthusiast and could often be found singing or taking in music. She was a dedicated and loyal friend, making it a priority to visit those she cared about, always wearing her fanny pack, pushing her walker from place to place as she made her rounds about town. Affectionately known as Boom Boom Betty, or Leaping Lena, she will be remembered for her playful nature, her kind heart, her amazing buns, her dazzling smile and the twinkle in her sparkling blue eyes. Her playful nature came shining through in all that she did, whether that be in the way she broke forth into song, her teasing amidst a game of cards, her quick wit or her zingy one liners. She was the first to let out a giggle, or even a full belly laugh, never taking herself too seriously. Betty was lovingly remembered at a service at the Lutheran Trinity Church on Monday, December 4, 2017 at 10:00 am. Rev. John Theiss officiating. There was a private family-only graveside service at Brooks Cemetery, followed by a social/luncheon at the Brooks Legion. In memory of Betty, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Brooks Long Term Care Residents Comfort Fund, Brooks Health Center c/o Therapeutic Recreation Dept., Bag 800, 440 – 3rd St. East, Brooks, AB, T1R 1B3. Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
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