Obituaries

Rieder

Keith Edwin Rieder passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on May 31, 2021 at the age of 74 years. Keith was born on September 4, 1946 in Oxbow, Saskatchewan to Philip and Eileen Rieder. He grew up in Frobisher with his older sisters Sylvia, Phyllis and big brother Lawrence. Keith’s oilfield experience started in Southeast, Saskatchewan at the age of 17 years old with Commonwealth Drilling. He later moved into oilfield maintenance, working for his brother in law Bruno, at Valleyview Oilfield Services in Oxbow before becoming a battery operator. Keith met his beloved wife Glenda in Alameda, Saskatchewan where they were married on August 25, 1967, starting a life of 53 years together. In 1972 they left Saskatchewan, for Brooks, Alberta along with their recently born first son Joel, to progress Keith’s career in the “Oil Patch”. Shortly after, in 1973 their second son Dana was born.  Keith advanced his career in the oil and gas sector taking on various field leadership roles in Drumheller, St. Albert and Taber. Keith always found the time to support his boys in hockey and other athletic endeavors while holding them accountable to maintain good grades in school. He was very proud when they both went on to attend university, received degrees and established their careers. With his busy schedule he managed to fit in time with friends and enjoyed hunting, fishing and curling. Many memorable summers were spent camping and boating with the family over the years travelling around Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Keith’s love for the lake led him and Glenda to Stafford Lake, Alberta where they fulfilled a dream of owning a lake front property. The lake was the perfect place for family gatherings, having a cold Kokanee, retirement and to keep his five grandchildren Keagan, Greyson, Campbell, Daxton and Madison busy having fun. Keith always needed to be doing something and his passion for landscaping flourished at the lake. Over 14 years Keith and Glenda developed a beautiful lakeside retreat where many memories have been made that included their 50^th wedding anniversary. The lakeside retreat also provided an ideal place for Keith to relax and unwind after his many cancer treatments over the past five years. Keith’s journey with cancer and life has ended and we are all so proud that he fought to the end and enjoyed life to the fullest. From his early years to his final day, Keith “Lived Life On His Own Terms”. He will be dearly missed.

Along with his wife Glenda Rieder, Keith is survived by his two son’s, Joel (Karey) and Dana (Monica), five grandchildren Keagan, Greyson, Campbell, Daxton and Madison, sister Phyliss and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Phillip; mother, Eileen; sister, Sylvia; brother, Lawrence.

Those wishing to celebrate Keith’s life are asked to provide a donation to the Alberta Cancer Foundation c/o Jack Ady Cancer Center Lethbridge. https://www.albertacancer.ca/cancer-centres/. Keith was very appreciative of the care that the many medical professionals provided throughout his fight with cancer.

Truman – It is with very heavy hearts that we need to share our amazing son, nephew and cousin, Lance Timothy Truman suddenly passed away on May 31, 2021, on his 36^th birthday. It’s hard to come up with words when our only son was taken quickly and without warning. Lance leaves to mourn his parents, Tim and Paulette, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and numerous friends, all who loved him dearly. Lance was a huge lover of sports, especially the Calgary Flames and Green Bay Packers. When you are wearing one of these jerseys please think of Lance with a smile. Tim and Paulette and the family thank you for all the kindness shown during this difficult time. Due to Covid, sadly no formal funeral can be held at this time. We will be having a Celebration of Life later and will keep everyone posted.

IN MEMORY OF A SPECIAL SON

It’s sometimes hard to know

Why some things happen as they do

For so much joy and happiness

Was centered around you

It seems so hard to comprehend

That you’re no longer here

But all the happy memories

Will help to keep you near

You’re thought about with pride, Son

With each mention of your name

Death cannot change a single thing

The LOVE will still remain.

We love and miss you, our beautiful son.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted by

Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks

Funeral arrangements entrusted to:

SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM

BROOKS, ALBERTA

Condolences may be forwarded through   www.sfh.ca

Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866)-362-4652

“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”

Kennedy – Eva Joyce (Bennett) Kennedy of Brooks, beloved wife of the late William Kennedy, passed away on May 29^th, 2021 at the age of 82 years.

Eva was born on February 14^th, 1939 in McCreary, Manitoba. Her family moved to a farm in MacDowall, Saskatchewan when she was 4. When Eva was 15, she struck out on her own to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. At 18, she moved to Calgary, Alberta and worked for AGT (Alberta Government Telephones).

It was in Calgary that she met the love of her life and best friend, Bill Kennedy. Eva and Bill were married on June 20^th, 1959. They moved to Drumheller and Medicine Hat, before making their home in Brooks where they resided for close to 50 years. After Bill retired in 1996, they were able to enjoy more of what they loved which included fishing, camping, travel, and spending time with family.

It is fitting that Eva was born on Valentine’s Day, as she had a heart full of love. She always thought of others first. Her family, friends and community were all recipients of her generosity and kindness. Volunteering was a full-time job for Eva and she could often be found at St. Alban’s Anglican Church as a member of the Altar Guild or the Diabetes Association, Brooks & District Branch for which she was a founding member. Both Bill & Eva enjoyed the time they spent on the Diabetes Association’s Festival of Trees and Breakfast with Santa.

Eva was predeceased by her husband William (Bill) Kennedy, mother May Smith, brother Edward (Ed) Smith and sister Evelyn Smith.

She will be forever missed by her daughters Deborah (Wayne) Haydu, and Michelle (Sam) Rempel; very special grand-daughters Jennifer, Megan, and Rebecca; brother Bob (Jean) Smith and sister Helen (Jim) Punter.

Special thanks to the staff at Orchard Manor, Brooks Home Care, and the Brooks Health Centre for their loving care.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta   T1J 4K7.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted by

Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks

Funeral arrangements entrusted to:

SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM

BROOKS, ALBERTA

Condolences may be forwarded through   www.sfh.ca

Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866)-362-4652

“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”

SIMPSON – Jasmin Ruth Simpson, 40, of Brooks, Alberta, passed away on June 1^st, 2021.

Jasmin was born in Orangeville Ontario June 5^th, 1980, to Roseann Simpson and Stan Wagner.

She is survived by her daughter Tyra, son, Jeremy, siblings Annie (Alyssa), Holly (Shaun), Dwayne, Erika and Vincent, nieces and nephews, Austin, Logan, Marcus, Christopher, Chandler, Natalia, Cameron, and Nicole.

Jasmin was a mother, a sister and friend. She was the type of person to give you the shirt off her back and weather the storm along side you. A blunt, open, beautiful soul to all who knew her and a woman who has flooded our memories with such humour and happiness.

Jasmin’s life is not defined by addiction but should be a focal point of awareness to shed light upon the mental health crisis and the sheer difficulty of receiving help. She was a tough strong-willed woman who spent the better part of her life searching for peace and love in a statistical society. Her fight has been admirable, and she would be in her glory to have helped even one person find sobriety in her story. She was not just a statistic, or a lost cause… Jasmin will always be mom, sissy and Jassy to the many who loved her, and we will cherish all the wonderful memories she contributed to the world.

Rest easy sweet Jassy, we hope you have finally found peace.

A private funeral service will be provided for family and friends.

In a difficult and flawed system, the family does not encourage administrative/allocation costs but supports donations DIRECTLY to the Brooks Health Foundations Addictions Account.

KNEBUSH – Mabel Knebush of Brooks passed away in Brooks on May 29, 2021 at the age of 95. A full obituary will be made available once finalized. For further information, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Peggy (Mildred) Ann Stockwell (1928 – 2021)

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Mother, Peggy Stockwell, after a brief illness, at the age of 93 years.  Peggy was born on April 7, 1928, at Nateby, Alberta, to Lena and Walter McBride.  She was the second youngest of 8 children and spent her whole childhood on the homestead southwest of Cessford.  She was named Mildred at birth but went by “Baby Ann” until almost school age when her oldest brother named her Peggy. During her 38-year marriage to Bill Stockwell, she lived at Whitecourt, Wardlow and Turner Valley.   After Bill’s passing and 18 years on her own on the farm and in Turner Valley, she decided she needed a change. She purchased a home and moved to Sundre, because it looked like a nice place to live!  She knew no one when she came but had no regrets of that decision!  At the age of 90, she retired to the Mountain View Seniors’ Housing complex that is located 2 blocks south of where she lived—she literally watched it being built and looked forward to moving there.  Sundre has been her home since 2002 and she was very proud of everything about it! Some of her favorite activities were walking (and picking litter), playing cribbage (especially at Cremona and Graham Hall), working on her counted cross stitch cat pictures with the country music playing, family camping and enjoying card games at the West Country Centre with her friends.  She faithfully kept up a diary since 1948.  She competed in cribbage in the Alberta 55+ Games for many years and has many medals to show for it, including a gold in the last Provincial Games in 2019 in Medicine Hat. Mom was a strong competitor until the end, participating in many activities at the Lodge and loving her life there! She preferred memories over things and travelled to various destinations (many with her sister Aggie).  Places she visited include: New Zealand, Churchill, across Canada by bus, Yukon, Alaska, Northwest Territories, the Gulf Islands, Queen Charlotte Islands, Las Vegas, Nashville, Ireland, several other states, and a Caribbean Cruise. Mom was predeceased by her daughter, Shannon, in 1956, her husband, Bill, in 1984, her daughter, Cathy, in 1989, and her grandson, Sheldon, in 2007, as well as both her parents, her brothers, Eddie, Elmer and Albert, her sisters, Marie, Evelyn and Aggie, and her favorite cat, Donald, in 2018. She is survived by her daughter, Donna (Len) Romaniuk, her son, Del Stockwell, her daughter, Wendy (Lloyd) Laughlin, 7 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, her younger brother,  Jim (Tressa) McBride, and many nieces and nephews and their families. We would especially like to thank Dr. Robert Warren and his medical team, Dr. Ward, nurses, Jodi and Kiana, as well as the rest of the staff at the Sundre Hospital for the wonderful care Mom received since being admitted on May 10.  In honor of a life well lived, and a desire for living life to its fullest, not simply being alive, she made the decision to pass with dignity. We would also like to thank all of the kind and caring staff at the Lodge and all of the residents who became her new family. As a result of COVID-19 restrictions and government recommendations, there will be no public memorial.  Flowers are gratefully declined.  Donations in Peggy’s name may be made to the charity of your choice.  Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with arrangements. 403-507-8610 Condolences may be made or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com

Romans – It is with sadness, that the family of Randy Russell Romans of Duchess, announces his passing on Thursday, May 20^th, 2021 in Brooks, at the age of 65 years. Randy was born in Edmonton, Alberta on Dec. 4^th, 1955 to Ray and Chris Romans. He moved to Brooks in 1973, where he met the love of his life Cindy Flahr and the two were married in 1975.  Randy had an infectious laugh and the gift of telling a good story.  When you were in his company, you felt welcomed and entertained.  Randy was predeceased by his precious daughter Christina; mother Chris; sister-in-law Janice; brothers-in-law, Gordon, Garry, Dan and Dave; in-laws Dave and Barbara Flahr and numerous aunts and uncles.  Friends and family of Randy have gathered around those he leaves behind, his wife Cindy of 46 years; son Andrew Barnes (Michelle) of Oliver, BC; daughters, Joni (Scott) Turton of Medicine Hat, Deanna (Jason) Riddell of Bow Island, Alberta and Chrissy (Todd) Jackson of Brooks; grandchildren that he was so very proud of, Brandon, Brody, Drayton and Mason Turton, Avery and Ally Jackson, Abby, Bailey and Morgan Riddell; father Ray Romans of Brooks; sister Lorna Shaw of Brooks and brother Don of Edmonton.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family will be sharing a Private Family Service.  In memory of Randy, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to AJ’s Loan Cupboard, 1 – 749 14 Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta   T1A 4V8 or on line at donations@ajsloancupboard.ca

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted by

Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks

Funeral arrangements entrusted to:

SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM

BROOKS, ALBERTA

Condolences may be forwarded through   www.sfh.ca

Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866)-362-4652

“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”

Peake – Russell Dell Peake of Dorothy, Alberta, beloved husband of Maxine, passed away in Drumheller, Alberta, on Monday, May 17^th, 2021 at the age of 80 years. Russell was born on June 20^th, 1940 in Hanna, Alberta to Hugh and Claudia Peake. Russell was raised in Dorothy, then attended Olds College and was named captain of the college hockey team. He married Maxine Hale on June 25^th, 1966. They moved to Innisfail, Alberta, where he worked for American Breeders and soon formed his own business, Parkland AI Services. They welcomed two children, Carolyn and Jeff. In 1984, the family moved back to Dorothy, when Russell purchased the Flying U Ranch from his Uncle Tom Peake. Throughout his lifetime he enjoyed playing hockey, calf roping in the FCA and many local rodeos, and was particularly fond of spending time with his grandsons, whether it be on the ranch or at the boys’ sports and activities. Besides his loving wife Maxine, Russell is survived by his daughter, Carolyn (Brian); son Jeff; three grandsons, Jaret, Brody, and Gavin; brothers, Hughie (Winnie) Peake, Edward (Diane) Peake, and Jim (Betty) Peake; sister-in-law June Miller; brother-in-law Bobby Hale; sister-in-law Tannis (John) Rohrich, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Russell was predeceased by brothers-in-law Bruce Miller and Wayne Hale and sister-in-law Linda Hale. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the family have shared a Private Family Service in Bassano on Friday, May 21^st, 2021. Interment at Bassano Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to:

SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM

BROOKS, ALBERTA

Condolences may be forwarded through   www.sfh.ca

Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866)-362-4652

“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”

LEASK – Betty (Dorothy, Elizabeth) nee Nielson Passed away peacefully on May 6, 2021 at Sunrise Gardens in Brooks at the age of 86. Betty was born June 7, 1935 in Calgary, Alberta to Charles and Dorothy Nielson. Betty was the middle child of three, sister Maria Horbach of Prince Rupert, B.C and predeceased by her brother Peter Nielson of Calgary. After a long nursing career in Calgary Betty moved to Brooks where she worked at the Brooks General Hospital until her retirement. Betty was very active in the community volunteering for multiple organizations. Her love for Brooks and serving the community was well known and very much appreciated. She was a proud and active member of the Red Hatters Club, FCSS, Brooks Historical Society, Brooks Museum, Newell Recycling and BAPS. Betty was instrumental in getting the dog visitation program up and running for long term care residents and she had a very special place in her heart for helping and caring for the senior citizens of Brooks. Betty was extremely talented when it came to cross stitching, quilting, knitting and sewing, and her beautiful creations were given to friends and family to carry on her wonderful legacy. Betty is survived by her partner Albert Larocque, her son Steve Heatherington and his partner Jane Baker and by daughter Shelly Rulli, multiple grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews that will miss her deeply. A celebration of Betty’s life will be held in Brooks once Alberta Health has determined that is safe to do so. A notice will be posted for those who wish to attend. If friends desire memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s society of Alberta 10430-61 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T6H 2J3 or any of the charities Betty supported. For further information or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Elsbett – Elizabeth Ann (Szostaczko) Elsbett of Duchess, Mother and Grandmother passed away peacefully at the Brooks Hospital on Monday May 10^th, 2021 at the age of 77 years. Betty was born August 1^st, 1943 to Harry and Pearl Szostaczko in Empress, Alberta. Betty grew up in Tilley and attended Tilley School. She met Victor Elsbett and the two were married April 11^th, 1964. They moved to the Elsbett Family Farm in Patricia, were they farmed and raised four children together. Her love of gardening with countless hours created and transformed the farm yard into a spectacular thing of beauty. Mom and dad loved to enter fall fairs and enjoyed curling in the winter months. When she moved to Duchess, the same care and attention went into that yard as she did at the farm. Everyone loved to drive by to see what she had created for each season, the yard was always lovely decorated and I am sure she handed out the most candy on the block at Halloween. She was predeceased by her brother Nick on July 9^th, 1961; parents, Pearl on February 9^th, 1970 and Harry on August 11^th, 1970; husband, Victor on August 1^st, 2001; sister, Sally on October 2^nd, 2004 and sister, Bev on November 1^st, 2016. Betty is survived by her loving children and grandchildren, daughter, Karen (Brad) Richardson and their children, Kirsten (Kevin), Kali (Kam) and Mackenzie of Hanna; son, Tom (Susan) and their children, Ashley (Shay) and Brandon of Duchess; son, Brian (Annemarie) and their children, Victor and Jesse of Duchess and son Wayne of Duchess.

“If I had a single flower for everytime I think about you, I could walk forever in my garden.”

Plaudia Ghandi

Due to Covid-19 restrictions the family have shared a Private Family Service. Interment was held at the Brooks Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to:

SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM

BROOKS, ALBERTA

Condolences may be forwarded through   www.sfh.ca

Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866)-362-4652

“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”