July 11, 2025

By Obituaries on July 11, 2025.

VIRGINIA MASON

VIRGINIA MASON 1937 ~ 2025 Virginia Patricia Mason, beloved wife of the late Donald Mason, passed away at St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat following a short illness on Friday, July 4, 2025, at the age of 87 years. A private service will be held at a later date. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 http://www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”

WAYNE HELLER

WAYNE HELLER Wayne Heller, of Medicine Hat, Alberta, passed away suddenly on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 76. He was the son of Bill and Elsie Heller (Schorr), brother of Lloyd Heller and beloved husband of Katharine Heller. A wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, he will be profoundly missed by his wife, Kathy, his daughters, Anne and Rosalyn; and their families, Lance, Eric, and grandchildren Aurora and Ericson.
In lieu of a funeral service, the family requests that you honor his memory in your own way.

RITA DARR

1939 ~ RITA DARR ~ 2025
Rita Theresa Darr of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Ray Darr, passed away peacefully, with family and friends at her side, on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, at the age of 85 years. She leaves to cherish her memory children, Myron (Gabby), Leslie (Karen), Delphine (Doug), and Noel (Camille); grandchildren, Lane, Ross, Tori (Ben), Haley (Caiden), David, Theresa, Nathan, Kaleigh, Kearah, Tylan (Katrina) and Braeden; great-grandchildren; Mollie, Rose-Marie, Kendall, Teagan, Colin, Westen; brother, Lenard (Lena) Wirachowsky; sisters-in-law, Phyllis, Shirley, and Jeannine; as well as numerous nieces and nephews; Rita was predeceased by her husband, Ray; parents, John and Anna Wirachowsky; grandson, Daniel; and brothers, Michael, Ed, John, Raymond, and Dennis, and sister-in-law, Jean. Rita was born on November 6, 1939, and raised on the family farm with five brothers close to Leipzig, Saskatchewan. Farm life and faith were priorities growing up. After graduating as Valedictorian, Rita moved to Medicine Hat and lived with Aunt Mary Zubot. She began working with the Bank of Commerce, where she met Ray Darr, Manager of the Solo Grocery Store on Aberdeen Street. After the realization that both Rita and Ray had the exact same birthday, a new chapter began. Following their marriage in 1959, Rita was a homemaker while the family grew, then she began work at Canada Trust. In 1973, the next chapter began with purchasing and operating Deluxe Groceteria, and they turned it into a thriving business. The farm life followed with an acreage near Seven Persons, where a huge garden of goodness grew each year, along with various animals. Rita sported a dark tan every year from working in the garden. Her cooking and baking talents were legendary, and meals and desserts were shared with many. Rita then began her quest to help others by working at Central Park Lodge as a Health Care Aide. In retirement, Rita and Ray moved back to Medicine Hat. Rita was deeply involved in the church, CWL, the condo committees, and playing cards. Her faith was strong, and her prayers were meaningful. Her dedication to community was well known. When Jesus reached for her hand, she knew and accepted His welcome, and trusted her faith would take her happily to the other side. Many Thanks to EMS, Medicine Hat Hospital, and St. Joseph’s Home for the professional care Rita received. Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 7:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road SE, on Monday, July 14th, 2025, at 10:30 am with Fr. Iqbal Khurshid, Celebrant. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Rita Darr. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to

SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 http://www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.

JOSEPH MILLER

JOSEPH MILLER ~ AUGUST 15, 1935 JULY 6, 2025 ~
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our Father & Grandfather, Joseph “Joe” Miller, falling short of his 90th birthday. Born in Chandannagar, India (a suburb of Calcutta), and was later fostered by Nelson Taylor to come to England to start his new life.
Dad had overcome so many obstacles as a child in India, but was a proven winner when he started his new life in London, England. He excelled in school, and became a successful draftsman with the London Electricity Board. He then met the love of his life, Beryl Kingston in 1957, riding around on their Lambretta’s. They were engaged for a short period of time and married in September 1958.
Soon after that, on October 23, 1959, their son Mark was born, and then on July 16, 1962, they were blessed with their daughter, Tanya.
On November 5, 1974, he picked up his family and immigrated to Medicine Hat, Alberta, to start another new adventure with Western Co-operative Fertilizers.
After the company shut down after almost 10 years, he moved on to many different jobs, ranging from oil field work to owning his own painting company and a wedding photography business for many years. He was also a Maitre’d at many restaurants in Medicine Hat.
Although he had many jobs, he was always happy knowing he was supporting his family and providing amazing service to the community, where he has made his home for the last 50 years.
Joe was predeceased by his wife, Beryl Miller, on October 10, 2024, and leaves to cherish his memory his son, Mark Joseph Miller (Jill Miller); grandchildren Joseph Miller, Jordon Miller and Justin Miller; daughter, Tanya George (Wally Long); and his granddaughter, Aysia George
At Joe’s request, there will be no formal funeral service; cremation has taken place. For those who wish to remember our parents, Joe & Beryl Miller, there will be a Celebration of Life on July 26, 2025, at the Big Marble Go Centre (formerly the Leisure Center), 2000 Division Ave N, Medicine Hat, AB from 1:00 4:00 pm in the Sage room. Everyone is welcome to come and share stories. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Joseph Miller. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to

SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 http://www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.

GERALDINE FRIESS

GERALDINE FRIESS 1945 ~ 2025 Geraldine Annette Friess, late of Medicine Hat, passed away on July 7th, 2025, at the age of 79 years. A private family graveside will be held at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Geraldine’s memory may be made to S.P.C.A., 55 Southview Drive SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8E8. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Geraldine Friess. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to

SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL
CHAPEL CREMATORIUM &
RECEPTION CENTRE,
“The Chapel in the Park
#1 Dunmore Road SE,
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5
(403)528-2599
http://www.saamis.com
inquiry@saamis.com
Locally owned and directed
CGR Holdings Ltd.

JANNY SLOFSTRA

JANNY SLOFSTRA 1937 ~ 2025 Mrs. Janny Slofstra, beloved wife of the late Mr. Martin Slofstra, passed away at Sunnyside Nursing Home in Medicine Hat on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the age of 88 years. Funeral arrangements will be announce upon completion. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 http://www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”

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