IMES – Marion Isabel (Olson) Imes passed away Sept. 23, 2006 in the Central Peace Hospital, Spirit River, Alberta at the age of 85 years.
Marion was born Nov. 23, 1920 in Calgary, Alberta. She lived in Iddesleigh, Alberta with her parents Carl and Alta Olson and five younger siblings, Walter, Carol, H.A. (Bud), Percy & Kenny until she moved to Medicine Hat to attend high school. She then worked in Medicine Hat and spent time in Iddesleigh until she married Kenneth Imes on August 4, 1942 in Medicine Hat. Ken & Marion then moved to his homestead west of Spirit River in Happy Valley. This was a very big adjustment for Marion – coming from town and city living on the prairie to a homestead in the bush, but Marion made the adjustment. On the farm in Happy Valley they raised four children; Faye born Dec. 28, 1943, Jim, June 28, 1945, Harold, Oct. 6, 1951 and Donald, May 9, 1958. After 38 years on the farm in Happy Valley Ken & Marion moved to town in Spirit River in August 1980.
Now, Marion was back in town so she became very involved in the community. She worked hard on many organizations, some of which were: Happy Valley Community Club, Spirit River Museum, Spirit River Hospital Auxiliary, History Book Society, United Church Group, she was a 25 year plus member of TOPS and others. She enjoyed people and was always willing to do whatever she could to help. One year she was chosen as Spirit River’s “Citizen of the Year”. She also worked for several years at the Spirit River Hospital in the laundry and then the kitchen. Marion was a great cook and enjoyed nothing more than preparing a meal and having friends or family over to enjoy it.
One month after her husbands death, Sept. 13, 2000 Marion moved to Pleasant View Lodge where she enjoyed the company of others. She participated in most of the activities at the lodge and had many friends. Although she often suffered with a lot of pain she complained very little. Marion loved her family dearly and always looked forward to a visit from anyone of them. She really enjoyed having a guest for lunch at the lodge. Unfortunately, on May 17, 2006, Marion broke her leg and was hospitalized until her death.
Left to cherish her memory are: daughter Faye (Keith) Stewart, sons Jim (Dorothy) Imes, Harold (Beverly) Imes and Donald (Patty) Imes. Eleven grandchildren: Darin (Valerie) Stewart, Kelly (Natascha) Stewart, Kenny (Jennifer) Stewart, Smokey (Cherlynn) Imes, Clarke (Bobby Jo) Imes, Craig (Kim) Imes, Crystal (Steve) Perrault, Leeann Imes, Kailey, Connor & Kristen Imes; twelve great-grandchildren: Dean, Dallas, Seriena, Natalie, Cullen, Paige, Malcolm, Carson, Sienna, Breven, Madolyn & Keaton, two brothers Perry (Clara) Olson & Ken (Collete) Olson and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents Carl & Alta Olson, husband Ken Imes, grandson Johnny Imes, daughter-in-law Kaye Imes, sister Carol (Olson) Ritter, brothers Walter & H.A. (Bud) Olson, sister-in-law Gloria Olson, brother-in-law John Ritter.
Funeral service for Marion Imes will be held Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. in the Spirit of Peace United Church, Spirit River, AB.
Memorial donations may be made to the Central Peace Ladies Auxiliary – Memorial Fund or Spirit River & District Museum.
