McKee: Lilah Vee (nee: Hampton)   July 2 1918 – December 20 2006

Vee was born and raised in the Rowley area with her 3 brothers Dawn, LaVern and Grover (Skip). As her mother passed away suddenly at an early  age, Vee took over her role and helped her father ‘raise’ the boys, something she loved to do. Vee met a local farmer named Roy McKee and they were married January 20th 1938. Together they lived and farmed on the land that has been in the McKee name for decades.

Her only son Larry was born in October of the same year.

Vee was also part of the family custom harvest operation in the 40’s and would help drive through the USA and Canada, cooking for the crew as they worked. Cooking and Baking was a passion of Vee’s and she will always be well known for her superb cinnamon buns, breads and other delights. She took this interest to helping as a leader in the Rowley-Rumsey 4H cooking club for a number of years where many new students learned from her.  Vee was an active member of the O.E.S. Ruth Chapter #55 in Drumheller. One of the most enjoyable times she spent was helping the Rowley community ‘restore’ the town and spending countless hours volunteering with family and friends in the museum, cooking breakfasts, pizza nights, and entertaining visitors from the train. She served in executive positions for the Rowley Community Hall Association and Rowley Yesteryear Museum and always took interest in the happenings of the area, even after moving away. Her generosity and large welcoming heart made her a special person (G.G., grandma or grandma/aunty Vee to most). The light of her life was the arrival of her grandchildren Laurel and Mike and she spent countless hours spoiling them and enjoying her time with them immensely. After the passing of Roy in 1994, she was ‘re-acquainted’ with a old friend from her past and in 1998, decided time was “too short” and moved to Strathmore with Jack Primrose. Together they had many adventures RV-ing and traveling around Alberta. Jack’s family opened their hearts to her and she to them. Vee wrote in the Rowley Pioneer Days book describing her life: “…, though many material things have changed, good neighbors, relatives and friends are the same – in time of need the assistance one receives is beyond description. The warm handclasp of a friend is still a treasure. I feel it is a privilege to be acquainted with so many, many fine folk.”

Vee was predeceased by her parents Prather and Lilah Hampton, her brothers LaVern, and Dawn, her husband Roy and her son Larry. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Heather, grandchildren Laurel (Darren) Diprose and Mike McKee, great grandchildren Brandon, Justin, Corbin Diprose and Samantha McKee, brother Skip(Muriel)Hampton, sister-in-law Marie Hampton, and their families Stan & Wanda Hampton(Karen & Tara and families), Neil Hampton, Michele Hampton and family and her special partner Jack Primrose and his family. A celebration of Vee’s life will be held at the Rowley Community Hall December 30th from 1-3pm. Anyone wishing to say a few words in her memory will be more than welcome to at that time. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rowley Yesteryear Artifacts Museum or a charity of one’s choice.

OSTERGARD: Elsie  1913 - 2006

Elsie died peacefully on December 18, 2006 from complications arising from a fall. She had maintained full control of her life until just a few days before her death. Elsie Margaret Hansen was born October 2, 1913 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As a young, recently divorced mother, she found employment as a secretary in one of Michigan’s oldest and most respected law firms, where she remained until her retirement - a span of 34 years. One member of the firm, Gerald R. Ford, went on to become President of the United States. She married Axel Ostergard of Drumheller in 1980, and they settled in Grand Rapids. Five years later, she made the big adjustment of leaving her country and lifetime home and moving with Axel to Calgary. She adapted well, and acquired many new friends. Elsie’s favourite pastimes revolved around the great outdoors and classical music. She and Axel treasured their involvement with Calagary’s Skrastins Outdoor Club. Elsie also continued to attend classes to improve her mastery of the recorder flute until her final days. Elsies very considerable involvement in volunteer work began with the American Red Cross during WWII. She was particularly drawn to causes that involved either the socially downtrodden or the environment. She logged over 1200 hours of voluntary service to Calgary Meals on Wheels. She was happiest whenever she could roll up her sleeves and get her hands dirty.

Elsie was predeceased by her daughter Susan, who died in a tragic accident while still a teenager, by her elder sister Erna and by her husband, Axel. She will be fondly remembered by her younger sister Lillian of New York, her stepson Don (Carol) Ostergard of Drumheller, her stepdaughter Vicki (Peter) Juliebo of Edmonton and her step-grandchildren and great grandchildren. It was Elsie’s request that no funeral service be held. However, the family wishes to invite all of Elsie’s friends to a memorial reception to be held at the Danish Canadian Club, 727 - 11 Ave. SW, Calgary, on Wednesday, January 3, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. If friends so wish, contributions in Elsie’s memory may be made to: The Mustard Seed Street Ministry, 102 - 11 Ave. SE, Calgary T2G 0X5, The Agape Hospice, 1302- 8 Ave. NW, Calgary T2N 1B8 or any other charity of the donor’s choice.