Obits | DrumhellerMail

Condolences to the family of Madelyn Sherman

MadelynSherman

SHERMAN
Madelyn

November 7, 1924 - January 19, 2021

Madelyn Sherman, born November 7, 1924, in Chester Basin, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia, to Lorenzo and Olla Joudrey, passed away peacefully at the Drumheller Health Centre on January 19, 2021. She was predeceased by her husband Ernie and eldest son Darrell. Madelyn grew up with five brothers (Maurice, Chuck, Harry, Burchell, and Glen) and one sister (Peg). She and Ernie met in Halifax while Ernie served on a Canadian Navy Corvette for the North Atlantic convoys during WWII. After the war, she returned with dad to Calgary, moving to Drumheller in 1950 where they raised their boys and operated an upholstery and furniture business until retirement in the late 1980s. She was an active member of Royal Purple, serving one term as District Governor, and often a special nana or bonus grandma to children of family and friends. Madelyn is survived by her son Brian (Judy) Sherman, adopted grandchildren Sandy (Michele) & James Brown, and great-grandchildren Amanda, Tyler, Matthew and Alexandra Brown, and numerous nieces and nephews who are spread out from British Columbia to Nova Scotia. Mom was a long-term resident of the Drumheller Sunshine and Hillview Lodges and we would like to thank all of the staff and wonderful caregivers of those facilities for their care and attention to mom for the past 15+ years. At mom’s request, there will be no service.

Condolences to the family of Norma June McConkey (nee Elkins)

NormaMcConkey

McConkey
(nee Elkins)
Norma June

June 30, 1930 - January 19, 2021

Norma McConkey, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, formerly of Qualicum Beach, BC, passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at the QEII Hospital, at the age of 90 years.
Norma was born Norma June Elkins on June 30, 1930, in Drumheller, AB, to Carrie and Ernest Elkins. Norma had one sibling, a younger sister Audrey Marie. Norma grew up in Drumheller, where, after completing high school, she started a career at Stedman’s Department Store. She soon met and married Joseph Hillard McConkey, and the two were married on December 12, 1951. In 1972, Norma and Joe moved to Grande Prairie. Joe worked with Alberta Power and Norma with Sears. In 1987, they retired to Qualicum Beach, on Vancouver Island. After the passing of Joe in 2017, Norma returned to Grande Prairie to be near Rob.
Norma had a very outgoing personality and vivid sense of humour, which would be on display from time to time while working at Sears. Along with Maureen Sallows and Jean Olsen, the three ladies were always up to something.
She loved to garden, especially in Qualicum Beach. If a weed popped up, Norma would be in her yard digging it out. She, along with Joe, faithfully served at their church in Qualicum Beach. Norma loved church and her Lord Jesus.
Norma is survived by her children: Daryl Wayne McConkey of Drumheller; Robert Kendall McConkey of Grande Prairie, and Brenda Marie Clements of Kelowna, BC; Norma is also survived by her sister Audrey Cameron of White Rock, BC; her four grandchildren: Davro Joseph Clements (Chontay) of Midland, Texas; Cole Ole Clements (Kelsey) of Red Deer, Alberta; Breeann Marie McConkey-Franke (Dylan) of Grande Prairie, and Kaidy Marie McConkey-Dunn (Brandyn) of Grande Prairie; Norma was also blessed with 5 great-grandchildren, the youngest of which was born just 2 days prior to her passing: Nora Marie Rose Franke, Finnian Cole Franke, Remington Marie Dunn, Winston George Dunn, and Peyton Marie Clements.
Norma was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Joe, on September 26, 2017.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com

Condolences to the family of Ronald Bertsch

RonBertsch

BERTSCH
Ronald

June 30, 1934 - January 14, 2021

Ronald Bertsch, a long-time resident of Rosebud/Drumheller area went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 14th, 2021 at the age of 86.
Ron was born June 30th, 1934 at Rosebud, Alberta to Alvina and Arthur Bertsch.
He, along with his brother Llewelyn, was raised on the family farm north of Rosebud. Ron married the love of his life, Vivian Henschel on June 25th, 1960 and they raised their family while farming at Rosebud. Ron and Viv retired to Drumheller in 2004.
Ron leaves behind his loving wife, Vivian, after almost 61 years of marriage. He also leaves to mourn, his children Dawn (Robert) Bancroft, Cameron (Deanne) Bertsch, Brent (Jennifer) Bertsch, and Jason (Ashley) Bertsch; his grandchildren Renee (Brad) Storch, Brianne, Derek (Karen) Bancroft, Emily, Erin, Kiara, Tavia Bertsch, and Trent Fredrickson and his great-grandchildren Eden and Autumn. Ron also leaves to mourn his brother Llewelyn (Joyce) Bertsch.
Ron ran the Rosebud Post office with Viv for many years and was a bus driver for Wheatland County for 44 years. He was a dedicated community member, a Rosebud Lion, a Rosebud Historical Society board member, and a Drumheller Co-op board member. He was the MC at the Annual Rosebud Christmas Concert for years.
Ron was an amazing storyteller, who loved a great joke. He listened intently to people and when he spoke he did so with purpose and care. He shared his talent and love for music with many, singing in church and in the community as part of a quartet or gathering his children and grandchildren to sing together at family events.
Due to Covid, no service will be held at this time.
Condolences, tributes, and photos can be shared with Courtney-Winters Funeral home.
Our families would like to extend their gratitude to the nursing staff, and all hospital staff, as well as Dr. Mateer and Dr. Veronique Ram. Words hardly seem adequate for the excellent care and concern dad received.

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