All Obituaries

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you.”

John 15:16

     The Lord in His time has taken to his eternal home our dear husband, father and grandfather, Jacob Van Liere. Jacob passed away early Saturday morning, December 21, 2024, at the age of 78, after suffering for many years with Parkinson’s disease.

     Left to mourn, his loving wife Johanna of 50 years, his seven children, Quin (Margareth), Ben (Ingrid), John (Ilien), Caroline (Jacob) Slingerland, Adrian (Tami), Trudy (Marion) Ymker, Hugo (Larissa), and 42 grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, John Van Liere of Coaldale, as well as eight in-laws in the Netherlands.

     He was predeceased by his stillborn daughter, parents, parents-in-law, three sisters, three brothers-in-law and one sister-in-law.

     The family wishes to thank the Bethesda Care Home staff for providing over 15 years of patient and loving care to dad.

     There will be an opportunity to offer condolences between 7:00 – 8:00 pm on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF PICTURE BUTTE.

     A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, December 27, 2024, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF PICTURE BUTTE, with Rev. E.C. Adams officiating.

     Interment to follow thereafter at the Picture Butte Memorial Cemetery.

     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethesda Care Home.

Mr. William “Bill” Bezooyen of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Nellie Bezooyen, passed away at Eventide Home, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at the age of 92 years.

Condolences will be held at 6:30 pm, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF LETHBRIDGE, 54 90022 Rng Rd 211, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Memorial Service will be held   at 12:00 pm, on Monday, December 23, 2024, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF LETHBRIDGE, 54 90022 Rng Rd 211, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Reverend P. Kleijer, officiating.

A private family Interment will be held prior in the Coaldale Cemetery.

Lois Marie Roelofs (nee Root), 79, of Lethbridge, Alberta, passed away peacefully on December 14th, 2024, at her home, Fairmont Extendicare, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.

Lois was born on July 29th,1945 in Lethbridge, to parents Glen and Ethel Root. She went to the U of A for teaching and started teaching in 1967 at Rocky Mountain House. In 1970, she met and married Don Roelofs, they moved to Monarch and had 2 children, Kenton Dale and Jennifer Lee . Over the next years Lois returned to school at the U of L and earned her bachelor’s of Education, she spent a few years as a substitute teacher and working at the U of L Library. Her and the family moved to Lethbridge in 1989 when she started working at the Lethbridge Health Unit. Lois and Don divorced in 1994. Lois was blessed with 3 grandchildren, whom she adored and spent as much time with as possible, coloring, baking cookies, playing with the cats. She lived her life enjoying time with family, friends, and her pets. Unfortunately, Lois had many challenges in her life due to multiple sclerosis that over the years, slowly but surely, deteriorated her ability to live on her own. In 2013 she moved into the assisted living facility, Fairmont Extendicare, where she made many friends, was well taken care of and enjoyed visits with family (including pets) and friends.

She was a devoted mom, grandma, and friend, known for her kindness, generosity, and love of pets and baking. She is survived by her loving children Kenton Roelofs (Melissa) and Jennifer Petrak (Brett), her grandchildren Melissa, Emilee and Tyler, her siblings Leon, Glenda, her nieces, nephew, and cousins.

The family would like to thank the staff at Fairmont Extendicare for their compassionate care during Lois’s illness.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Lois’s life will be held at 1:00 pm, on December 21, 2024, at Martin Brothers RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.

Please join us in celebrating Lois’s life and legacy. She will be deeply missed but forever in our hearts

In lieu of flowers please feel free to donate to Lethbridge PAWS Society    http://www.pawsociety.com/donations.html

Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

Mrs. Ruth Martens of Coaldale, beloved wife of Mr. David Martens, passed away at the Coaldale Health Centre on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the age of 84 years.

Ruth was born in Swan River Manitoba on October 17, 1940, and lived in White Beach Saskatchewan, from there she moved to Coaldale. While in her teenage years Ruth got a job at Economy Corner in Coaldale which led to her working at Safeway. After some time at home with her children she decided she wanted a change of career and pursued health care. Ruth got a job at the Altenheim in Coaldale, from there she went to Southland Nursing Home in Lethbridge, and finally ending up at Coaldale Health Care Center Long Term Care where she retired at the age of 60. Ruth enjoyed her retirement until her health declined in 2018. Ruth has resided in the Coaldale Health Care Center Long Term Care until her passing.

Besides her loving husband Dave, Ruth is survived by her son Russell (Michelle) Martens, and daughter Amanda (Aaron) Wright. She was a very loving grandmother to Richard, Jandy (Kevin) Neufeld Raymond (Bailey Blanchette), Karley Wright and Samantha Wright. Ruth was also very fond of her great granddaughters Presley, Remi Neufeld, and Marley Martens.

Ruth was predeceased by her parents John and Katherine Rempel, daughter Brenda Martens, brother John Rempel and his wife Mathilda, as well as David's siblings.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at COALDALE MENNONITE CHURCH, 2316 17th St, Coaldale, Alberta, with Pastor Lil Thompson, officiating.

A private family Interment will be held.

We would like to thank Coaldale Health Care Center Long Term Care for taking such good care of Ruth.

Mrs. Shonna Renee Hirney of Taber, beloved wife of the late Mr. Michael Hirney, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre on December 9, 2024, at the age of 51. Over the past year, she courageously battled cancer alongside her late husband Michael (Mike).

Shonna is survived by her daughters Brooklyn, Alexis, Taylee, and Jaysa Hirney; her mother Lorraine Kuehn; sisters Paula (Stewart) Whillans, and Karie Kuehn; her mother & father in-law Sharon & Gord Hirney; sister-in-law Kim (James) Kerr; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

She was predeceased by her father Harold, and husband Michael.

Shonna was born in Lethbridge on December 14, 1972, and grew up on the family farm in the Warner area. In her youth, she figure skated, played the piano, water skied, snow skied, and enjoyed traveling to Mexico, Hawaii, and going on camping adventures with her family.  As a young adult she attended college to become a pharmacy technologist. She also attended Bible School in Texas and visited Thailand on a short-term mission outreach experience.

She met and later married Michael (Mike) in 2002, and they started their family a few years later. She loved being a mother and was most proud of that role in her life. She cherished her daughters, and the time spent together building memories. She taught them many things including how to French braid their hair, often letting them practice on herself. She was intentional when it came to celebrating events such as birthdays, holidays, and Christmas. No matter what, she took the time to plan out the details and surprises to make them extra special for her family. Shonna was a stay-at-home working mom who established herself in various part time business roles. She worked hard to support her family from her home office. Along with Mike, Shonna enjoyed the summer growing season, finding joy in nurturing a fruitful backyard garden. They were known to share their produce with neighbors, friends, and family. Even this past year, while undergoing treatments, she seeded and established a tomato plant for the garden. Along with the garden, Shonna especially loved planting and caring for her outdoor flowers. Her favorites were purple petunias.  Her caring and loving spirit and ability to make each day brighter for her family will be forever missed and remembered.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Wednesday December 18, 2024, at the EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF LETHBRIDGE, 4717 24 Ave South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

Mrs. Victoria (Vicky) Credico (nee Lastuka), beloved wife of the late Mr. John Mario Credico, passed away peacefully at Good Samaritans Park Meadows on December 6, 2024, at the age of 98.

Vicky was born to Daniel and Yvonne (Hnetka) Lastuka on August 24, 1926, in Coaldale. She spent her childhood in Coaldale, graduating from R.I.Baker High School.  After a short time in Wrentham, she moved to Lethbridge with her sister Mary.

Mom met Dad at her sister’s wedding, and they married a year later on August 20,1946.  Life was difficult at the beginning, moving several times, saving money to build a home, where they lived their entire lives next door to her sister.  All done without a mortgage.

Mom worked for close to 40 years at Automatic Electric building telephones, which was later called Microtel.  She was very active in her union, attending her Local and Lethbridge and District Labour Council meetings. Mom also participated in many activities at Lethbridge Seniors Citizens Organization (LSCO) and the St Basil’s CWL. Mom and Dad enjoyed all the functions at the Romulus and Remus Italian Canadian Club.

In later years Mom and Dad enjoyed taking trips, especially to Italy visiting their son Duane in Bari who owns and operates a language school, and also their son Dale and family in Vancouver where they’d enjoy spending time with their grandchildren.

She loved meeting people, was such a great listener and always had the right words of encouragement, card or gift for everyone she met.

Victoria is survived by her sons Duane of Bari Italy, Dale of Vancouver and grandchildren Kaya, Maya and Leah of Vancouver, sister in law Gelina Demers of Calgary and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her loving husband John she was predeceased by her parents; all of her siblings: Mary and Jack Credico, George and Lois Lastuka, Ann and Bax Jones, Rose and Ken Barnett; nephew Rick Credico; her in-laws: Nick and Teresa Credico, Steve and Lidia Supina, Victor and Frances Credico.

She was such a special person to everyone she met and will be greatly missed by those she endeared.

Rest in peace Mom you’ve earned it! Dad and Aunty Mary are waiting for you.

Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:00 pm, on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4th STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. The Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be recorded, and will be available to watch at https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Victoria-Credico-1

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 am, on Friday, December 13, 2024, at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC PARISH, 604, 13 STREET NORTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. The Funeral Mass will be recorded, and will be available to watch at https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Victoria-Credico-1

Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined.  For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the ALS Society of Alberta 7874-10 Street NE Calgary, Alberta T2E 8W1, or charity of your choice

My times are in Thy hand

(Psalm 31:15a)

With intense deep sorrow we announce that the Lord in His infinite wisdom, at His time has taken out of our midst my dearly beloved husband and onze allerliefste papa.

David passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at the age of 48 years, after a short struggle with brain cancer, which he endured without murmuring.

He leaves to mourn his loving wife Martha and his four dear children Lydia, Maria, Jesse and Hannah.

He is survived by his mother Jeanetta Heyboer, his siblings Alice & Mitchell Beusekom, Brenda & John Lobbezoo, Marvin & Willemina Heyboer, Jane & Brian Slingerland, Andrew & Jackalyn Heyboer; father and mother-in-law Adrie & Riet de Visser; sisters/brother-in-law Annemarie & Hans Slabbekoorn, Arjen & Marga de Visser, Coralien & Marien Nieuwenhuijse and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his father Cornelis Heyboer.

An opportunity to express Condolences will be held on Monday, December 9, 2024, between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION, 601-3A St South, Picture Butte, Alberta.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday December 10, 2024, at 1:30 PM at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION, 601-3A St South, Picture Butte, Alberta, with Reverend E.C. Adams officiating.

Interment to follow at the Memorial Cemetery located next to the NRC Picture Butte church building.

All this the Lord willing and we live.

Flowers are gratefully declined.

Mrs. Marie Doerksen of Lethbridge passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the age of 81 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.

It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic passing of Carleigh Sondra Isabelle Jackson of Okotoks, AB, beloved fiance of Brett Harper, who passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, December 2nd, 2024, at the young age of 24.

Carleigh was born on January 26, 2000, in Thunder Bay, ON, to loving parents Ryan Jackson and Brenda Schmold. Carleigh moved to Vulcan, AB with her Mom at the age of 2, and grew up dancing with Dance Inspirations in Vulcan. She took part in ballet and jazz, and played hockey for the better part of 15 years growing up. At the end of the 6th grade, Carleigh moved to Okotoks, AB, where she would meet some of her closest friends to this day. Carleigh attended Okotoks Junior High School (OJ) for grades 7-9. Some of her favourite extracurricular activities during that time included flag football, basketball, and track & field. During school hours, Carleigh enjoyed foods class, Spanish class, and debates within social studies class. Some of Carleigh's favourite memories were made at her Grandparents Brian and Linda's Camp in Ontario, which she spent time at each summer. Following her years at OJ, Carleigh graduated high school at Holy Trinity Academy in 2018. It was here that Carleigh volunteered as a trainer for the Knights Football team throughout her 3 years there. She was adored by her teachers and everyone that was lucky enough to know her. In her free time, she worked various part time jobs including Browns Social House and Classic Source for Sports in Okotoks. She had a passion and love for hockey from both a coaching and playing perspective, spending many years with Okotoks Minor Hockey Association.

After the completion of her high school diploma, Carleigh worked as a full time server at Browns Social House to save her money for University the following year, and to do some travelling. Carleigh spent a month in Thailand where she explored the local food scene and visited an elephant sanctuary. It was one of her favourite trips she ever took. In 2019, Carleigh moved to Lethbridge, AB, to start her post secondary journey at the University of Lethbridge. She spent 5 years working tirelessly towards completing a double degree with a Bachelor of Arts and Science majoring in Sociology, and a Bachelor of Education majoring in Social Studies Education. Carleigh was a gifted and hard working academic, with her greatest accomplishments being that she graduated from university with a 4.0 GPA, and the completion of her final practicum placement shortly before her diagnosis.

At the beginning of 2024, Carleigh met the love of her life, Brett, and shortly after was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer. Carleigh fought hard and bravely, with Brett lovingly by her side through it all.

She will be dearly missed, and fiercely remembered Carleigh is survived by her fiance Brett Harper, her mother Brenda Schmold, Robin & Candis Harper, Grandparents Brian & Linda Jackson, her 6 siblings Reece (Rachel) Girardin - their kids Rosie and Richard, Oliver Girardin and his son Michael, Emily Dunham, Sara Dunham, Lucas Jackson, Rihanna Jackson, Brendan (Olivia) Harper, Jeff (Shelly) Jackson - their kids Josh and Jenna Jackson, Derek Jackson, Josh & Liz Blake, close friends Megan Smith, Taylor Hinton-Turik, Jade Mierau, Sierra Lenton, as well as numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and countless other friends.

Carleigh was predeceased by her father Ryan Jackson who passed away when she was 15, and her beloved stepfather Manfred Schmold who passed away suddenly in 2023.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am, on Saturday December 14th, 2024, at OKOTOKS UNITED CHURCH, 43 Riverside Dr, Okotoks AB, T1S 0J2. Eulogy/Speeches will begin at 11:30am, followed by open mic for memory sharing starting at 12:30pm. Carleigh has asked that everyone wear a hockey jersey in her memory to the celebration.

In lieu of flowers, Carleigh has requested that donations be made to her GoFundMe page to cover celebration of life expenses; or to the Canadian Cancer Society on her behalf. https://gofund.me/c2d19309

Pastor Jim (James Richard) Chapman was born May 14, 1924, in a converted hop dryer near Santa Clara, Oregon and grew up on a small market farm. He went Home to heaven from Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge on December 2, 2024, at age 100 ½ years old – yes, still counting!

Meanwhile, he was married to Dorothy for 52 years [dec.1997] They raised 4 daughters: Sharon (George [dec.]) Smella, Linda (Rick) Rehn, Paula (Owen) McKenzie and Cynthia (Gordon) de Graaff. From them came 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren: Stephen (Jen) Smella with Bridget, Courtney, Quinn and Trey; Russell (Janice) Smella with Katie and Colin; Steve [dec.] (Nicki) Rehn; Dave (Wendy) Rehn with Cai and Eden; Alexis (Redge) Rehn Dole; Gail [Salem Abraha, dec.] McKenzie; Adam (Carie) McKenzie with Luke and William; Cora [dec.] McKenzie; Kelly (Amy) de Graaff.

We are grateful to Rita Dahl for being his kind-hearted caregiver during his last years.

Jim Chapman came to Canada from Oregon in 1947 at the age of 23, with 7 years of preaching experience, and a calling to minister to the small struggling churches of southern Alberta. He dedicated the rest of his life to this calling. His wife Dorothy served the church alongside him for 52 years. He was the minister in Vulcan for 11 years, Lethbridge for 31 years, Wrentham for 21 years and Taber for 12 years.

As well, he started the Nanton, Taber, Hardieville and Lomond churches, and enabled other preachers in southern Alberta to survive the struggles of ministering to a small church. He was active in the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen and Senior Luncheon, Pine Lake Christian Camp, and served as Public Relations officer for Alberta Bible College for 20 years. He married and buried many, for some for up to 2 and 3 generations. Jim also married a couple of his daughters and a few grandchildren.

Altogether he preached for 83 years. During Covid lock-down, with Rita and Jonathan Chapman’s assistance, he emailed his congregation and others an audio devotional-communion message weekly for 4 years. His last sermon was in Taber Church on March 10, and his last communion message July 28 at age 100 + 2 months! He still had sermons developing in his head, but his time ran out!

The Lord says, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

A private family Interment will be held.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations may be made to the Alberta Bible College or the Taber Church of Christ.

Mrs. Heidi Rector of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Bob Rector, passed away in her home on Friday, November 29, 2024 at the age of 83 years.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Mrs. Sydonie “Syd” Helgeson nee Fitzgerald of Lethbridge, formerly of Del Bonita, and beloved wife of the late Mr. Terry Cecil Helgeson, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the Raymond Health Center on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the age of 84 years.

Syd was born in Calgary, Alberta on October 15, 1940 to Walter “Fuzzy” Bradley Fitzgerald and Eileen Gertrude Ann Fitzgerald nee Waters. Syd attended school in Coutts, Alberta after which she attended Olds College, taking Home Economics and played basketball with Olds first girls basketball team. After one year at Olds, she rekindled her old flame with Terry (her cowboy) and marriage plans were eminent.

They married later that year on October 9, 1958, in Del Bonita at the United Church. After a brief stay at the Chinook Motel, they continued their honeymoon in Bassano, Alberta where for the first time she met her new mother-in-law. After the honeymoon they returned to Del Bonita and moved into their cozy new shack (mom’s words), where they started their family on December 2, 1959, when Kelly was born. Brad followed on May 28, 1961, and then Street was born on July 25, 1972.

Syd was very active in the community, playing many years on the ladies softball teams and was active in all the local ladies clubs.

In the early 1970’s, Terry and Syd started driving school bus and if you’re from Del Bonita and were born in the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s, you rode on Syd’s bus.

After retiring from the farm, Terry and Syd moved to Lethbridge where she resided until her passing.

Besides her loving husband Terry, Syd was pre-deceased by her parents Walter and Eileen Fitzgerald and her sister Marianne Thompson.

Syd was survived by her daughter Kelly (Eric) Patterson; sons Brad (Vynet) Helgeson; Street (Kim) Helgeson; grandchildren Chad (Cheryl) Patterson, Wayne (Leanne) Patterson, Kelsey (Jessi) Helgeson, McKensi Helgeson, Casidy (Brandon) Helgeson, Chase (Megan) Helgeson, Kayley (Casey) Powlesland; great-grandchildren Alexia, Aries, Mati, Mason, Merek, Daxx, Lilee, Beckham, Banks, Aspen, Wells, Bodie; great-great grandchild Ellie Rose; brothers Jack Fitzgerald, Jim Fitzgerald; sister Jane (Bill) Anderson as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

A special thanks to the Doctors and staff of the Raymond Health Center for the kind and compassionate care our mother and family received.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm, on Friday, December 6, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch Syd’s service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Sydonie-Helgesonand scroll to the bottom of the obituary page.

Interment will follow at Magrath Cemetery, Magrath, Alberta.