Church: Virginia  1929 - 2005

Virginia Anne Church (nee Herd) of Drumheller passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, at the Drumheller Health Centre on Friday November 25, 2005.Virginia is survived by her husband of 55 years Allan Henry (Harry) Church, her daughter Susan of Calgary, and sons, Michael (Ursula) of Stettler, Timothy (Kelly) of Red Deer, Christopher of Los Angeles, Roger (Gayle) of Drumheller, and Patrick (Elvis Hudson) of Calgary. Virginia is also survived by her sisters Elizabeth (Dave) Bowman of Prince George and Nancy Burrington of Saskatoon, and her brother Gordon (Eileen) Herd of Winnipeg, 10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.  Virginia was predeceased by her parents Janetta (nee Martin) and Gordon Herd, her infant son Barry, her granddaughter Allyn and her sister Netta. 

Virginia was born on October 31, 1929 in Drumheller. She took her schooling in Drumheller and earned her teaching certificate from the University of Alberta in 1948.  Virginia began her teaching career at the one-room Hesketh School and then at Beveridge Lake School in the Pope Lease district.  Her passion for education was to be a constant through her life.  It was also during this time that Virginia spent her summers working at the Buckhorn Guest Ranch near Pincher Creek. She loved dude ranch life, and it was from the Buckhorn that she bought her much treasured horse Pal.  In 1948 she met local farmer Harry Church.  They were married on July 1, 1950.  Virginia was devoted to her family and the farm.  Virginia was a substitute teacher in many of the local schools, and it was through subbing that she came to the career she most cherished, teaching at Hilltop School at the Drumheller Institution.  It was a challenging and rewarding vocation for Virginia to pass on literacy and learning to those who needed a hand up.  Another great passion for Virginia was the Anglican Church.  She served in various leadership capacities with the Anglican Church Women and the Diocese of Calgary.  She served on executive committees, attended local and national synods and loved her local church, Christ Church Carbon.  Bringing the community together was very important to Virginia.  She envisioned and led the district history book project.  She also wrote a local news column for the Drumheller Mail for over 30 years.  During the last year of Virginia¹s life she faced the challenges of declining health with much courage, dignity and her lifelong optimism.  She continued to make friends with those who came into her life and particularly valued the caring and dedicated staff at the Acute Care Centre.  To the end, Virginia was the pillar of her family and the source of much strength and wisdom.  She will be missed.

Those wishing to pay their respects, did so at St. Magloire's Anglican Church (176 ­ 2nd Street West, Drumheller, Alberta) on Tuesday, November 29, 2005, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Funeral Service will be held at St. Magloire's  Anglican Church (176 ­ 2nd Street West, Drumheller, Alberta) on Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Mac Jones officiating. Graveside service will take place at Mountain View Memorial Gardens (17th Ave and Garden Road SE Calgary) on Wednesday at 4:00 PM. Please meet at main cemetery gate. Condolences may be forwarded through www.commemorativeservices.ca If so desired memorial tributes may be made directly to Drumheller Area Health Foundation (c/o 351 ­ 9th Street NW, Drumheller Alberta, T0J 0Y1).

Edmonds: Ada Eileen  July 4, 1923 - November 22, 2005

Ada Eileen (nee Barber) Edmonds was born on the Tom Barber homestead near Sharples, AB on July 4, 1923, the only child of Thomas and Ada Annie Barber. She passed away peacefully in the Extended Care facility in Drumheller, AB on November 22, 2005. Eileen was predeceased by her first husband, Jesse Scarlett, in 1950; her second husband Bill Thorburn in 1964; and her third husband, Fraser Edmonds, in 1981. Eileen leaves to mourn her passing, two daughters and one son-in-law, Shirley Scarlett-Saunders of Calgary, and Judy (nee Thorburn) and Gordon Arvidson of Carbon; three grandchildren, Brenda (Patrick) Bratcher of Venus, Texas, Jason (Leeanne) Saunders and Scarlett Saunders of Calgary; six great-grandchldren, all of Texas, Trinity, Christian, Pat Jr., Brandon, Faith and Emmanuel Bratcher. Eileen is also survived by special friend Jim McEathron of Carbon; two sisters-in-law, Molly Scarlett of Nanton, Lily Hay of Calgary; one first cousin, Jim Barber of Drumheller; and many second and third cousins, nieces and nephews. A funeral commemorating Eileen¹s life was held on Saturday, November 26, 2005 at 1 p.m. in the Carbon Community Centre, Rev. Rhonda Pigot officiating. Interment preceded at the Carbon Cemetery with Personal Alternative Funeral Services in care of arrangements. Please direct any memorial donations to the Extended Care Facility c/o Drumheller Area Health Foundation, 351 - 9th Street N.W., Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y1.

Higdon: Robert  March 31, 1937 -  November 22, 2005

Robert passed away peacefully in the early morning of November 22, 2005 at the Michener Wellness Centre. Robert was born in Cold Lake and spent most of his early years in Nacmine where everyone in the community knew him as Bobby. Bobby loved going to the 'drive-in movie' to play bingo which he and Mom did about three times per week. After many trips to the movies, Mr. Shapiro gave him a free pass, he thought he was very special. He had a good life and many good friends in Nacmine. In 1970 he went to live at Michener Centre in Red Deer where he met his other loving family. Bobby loved it there - everything from his church, dances, bus rides, and his crafts - he never missed one of them. Another passion of Bobby's was Pepsi and $5.00 bills. Bobby was predeceased by his mom and dad, Gus and Dorothy Higdon; his brother and best friend Douglas; and his sister Helen. He is survived by his brothers Melvin and Irma, Irvin and Helen; his sisters Margaret Hubbs, Bunny and Dale Hecktor; sister-in-law Donna and Carson Kelly; and brother-in-law Ron and Fern Rowe; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was loved by all and will be missed. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, November 26, 2005 at the Michener Centre with burial at Carbon Cemetery with his parents and sister.

Huculak: Paul Louis  1945 - 2005

Paul Louis Huculak passed away on November 23, 2005 at the Alberta Hospital, Ponoka. At 60 years of age, Paul lost his courageous battle with this lengthy illness. He is now at peace with the Lord, where we know he will be well looked after. Paul was born on August 10, 1945 in Camrose. He was a resident of Newcastle, and attended school in Drumheller. Upon completion of grade 12, Paul worked for CN, thereafter became ill at an early age in his life. As schoolmates will remember Paul, he loved all sports that included baseball, soccer and excelled as a hockey player. Paul is survived by two brothers, Steve of Drumheller, and Walter of Calgary. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Paul was predeceased by his parents, Anthony and Mary, as well as two brothers, John and William. Funeral Services were held in Ponoka on Saturday, November 26, 2005 at 1 :00 P.M.  Father Jim Corrigan presiding. Bowker Funeral Home Services were in charge of funeral arrangements. With family, Paul¹s friends and caregivers from the hospital were in attendance, to give tribute and final blessings. Paul¹s ashes will be interred within the family plot in Drumheller.

Metzger: Shirley May

Shirley May Metzger passed away on November 28, 2005, after a short battle with cancer, at the age of 66 years. The loving wife of Dave for 47 years; mother to Tracy (Tara), Gerry, Vern, and Daryl; and beloved grandmother to Jason, Melissa, and Matthew; and a
sister to Jimmy Parker. Funeral arrangements will be made later this week. All donations can be made to the Cancer Society in Shirley's memory.