March 13, 2025

By Obituaries on March 13, 2025.

MARIE PAULA BOOTH

MARIE PAULA BOOTH
December 22nd, 1946 March 7th, 2025 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Marie Paula Booth on March 7, 2025, in Medicine Hat, AB. Marie was born on December 22, 1946, in Compeer, AB. She was a wife, mother, grandmother. She was famous for her baking which she loved to do. She is survived by her husband of 55 years Robert, son Thomas (Jenn), daughter Deeanna Bohnet (Brian), and grandchildren Carissa (Jason), Megan (Blaize), Austin (Jenn) and Alexis (Brendan). Marie is the second oldest of 11 children left to remember her Theresa (Bert), Betty (Alvin), Tony (Vicki), Ted (Marge) Rosemarie (Bruce), Rita, Stan (Lorie) and Eddie. She also leaves her sister-in-law Diane, brother-in-law Bill and Bernard (Sandy). She was preceded in death by brother Dennis; sister, Diane and her parents Barb and Leo Schulmeister; father-in-law, Tom, mother-in-law, Alice; brothers-in-law, Barry and Brian.
As per Marie’s request there will be no services, A Celebration of Life will be held March 22, 2025. In lieu of flower Donations to Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides Memorial Forest 152 Wilson Street, Oakville, ON L6K 0G6. Condolences may be made at http://www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by

Grace Memorial Affordable Burial & Cremation 1924 10th Ave N.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5 http://www.gracememorial.com 403-905-0440

ROY HANLON

ROY HANLON 1929 – 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Dad, Roy Leonard Hanlon.
He was a gentleman through and through. He was tender and kind; with a quiet faith that brought comfort to our family, no matter the circumstances. Dad was always there for us and stuck by our side when we needed his support the most. He was our hero.
Dad was born in Climax, Saskatchewan in 1929. After losing his Mom, shortly after being born, Dad was lovingly raised by his Grandma, Aunts and Uncles, residing in Climax.
He met his darlin’ Mary Minnie in Moose Jaw, and they married in 1957. They had a wonderful life together, filled with love and laughter. They were strong together and supported each other always. They loved and were loved deeply. Their door was always open for anyone who needed their advice, support or a good visit. They gave graciously to others, with open hearts.
They created a loving nest for their children Neil, Mary Jane and Beth to grow and flourish. Dad rocked us kids each night singing How Great Thou Art, played our favorite games, told us he loved us every day, and taught us to see and appreciate the small things in this world. He loved to walk with us for hours in Elkwater and return to the cabin with a bar of McIntosh Toffee and tales of our adventure to share.
Dad was an adventurous soul, hitchhiking into the United States with his friend Keith Cavanaugh and taking smoke jumper training in Prince Albert; culminating in proficiency in parachute jumping from air. Dad went on to work at CP Rail and then Western Coop Fertilizer in Medicine Hat.
Dad was passionate about British and Canadian military history, with an astonishing military collection resulting from this deep interest.
Dad was also interested and collected items related to the RCMP.
He was a talented, self-taught wood and leather worker. He was meticulous with all he did. He loved a good joke. Dad stood for what was right and taught us to do the same.
Dad will be remembered by his neighbors in NW Medicine Hat by his daily walks with his dear dog Jessie and later his walks alone; watching for planes, trains and automobiles from the path he frequented and visiting with passersby.
He will be dearly missed by his children Neil (Joanne), Mary Jane (Ed), Beth (Russell), his cousin Roy Rasmussen (Claire), five grandsons, three great-granddaughters, one great-grandson, the rest of the Hanlon family and his many friends.
We have been truly honoured to have Dad in our lives. He has taught us so much and has loved us so deeply. Our hearts have been forever and blessedly marked by his love. We will miss you, Dad. Please watch over us and until we meet again, thank you for your love, we love you so much and God Bless. Cremation has been entrusted to the Pattison Funeral Home and Crematorium. To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATORIUM
540 South Railway St. SE,
Medicine Hat T1A 4C2

WILLIAM (BILL) HARRY STODALKA

WILLIAM (BILL) HARRY STODALKA
William (Bill) Harry Stodalka of Medicine Hat, Alberta was called to eternal life on Thursday, March 6, 2025, after a brief illness. He was 93 years of age at the time of his death.
Bill was a force of nature. During his day, he seemed to know everybody in southwestern Saskatchewan and southeastern Alberta, and everybody seemed to know Bill.
He was the oldest of the three children of Jack and Alice Stodalka of Richmound, Saskatchewan. Bill was born on November 9, 1931 and although this was in the midst of the Dirty Thirties, he was fortunate to have been raised in an environment which emphasized the virtues and importance of family, hard work, education, the Roman Catholic Faith, sports and public service.
Richmound is a small village near the Alberta border but great things can happen in small places. Although a baseball pitcher of renown – he ultimately became a member of the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997 – Bill hit a grand slam when Josephine Kambeitz moved to Richmound in 1945.
They went on their first date in 1948 when they were both in Grade 10. However, in Grade 11, Jo went to St. Angela’s Academy in Prelate, Saskatchewan. In Bill’s memorable words and using his lifelong powers of persuasion, he “stole her from the convent” and convinced her to come back to Richmound where they both completed their Grade 12.
The two of them went off together to Normal School in Moose Jaw in 1950. Bill began his teaching career at Sacred Heart in Regina in 1951 at 19 years of age. He had 36 Grade 7 students while Jo taught in nearby Kronau.
Bill and Jo were married on August 12, 1953 in Richmound and both taught in Webb, Saskatchewan. In 1958, they moved back to Richmound where Bill became principal of Richmound’s Grade 1 to 12 school.
Their five children, four boys and a girl, were born while they lived in Richmound.
There is a saying to the effect that if you want to get things done, get a busy man to do it.
Not only was Bill a busy man but he was also successful at what he set out to do and was recognized by his peers and community for his accomplishments.
Bill was a skilled and engaging math teacher.
During the early 1960s, Bill took summer school classes and obtained his Bachelor of Education Degree. The Trustees of the Maple Creek School Division recognized Bill’s abilities and encouraged him to further his post-secondary education. They wanted Bill to become the next Director of Education of the Maple Creek School Division. As a result, in 1967, Bill took a one-year sabbatical. He and the family moved to Calgary and Bill took the classes which led to his Master of Arts Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Calgary.
Bill and family moved to Maple Creek in 1972, when he became the Director of the Maple Creek School Division, which was a position he held until 1986 when he retired.
He was a recognized leader in education in Saskatchewan and in Canada. Bill was one of the driving forces behind the enactment of Saskatchewan’s League of Educational Administrators, Directors and Superintendents Act in 1982. He was the first president of LEADS, a professional organization in Saskatchewan devoted to the advancement of the highest standards in educational administration.
In 1985, Bill travelled to Ottawa where he received a national award from the Canadian Association of School Administrators in recognition of his “Distinguished Service to Administration in Education” in Canada.
After he retired from his Director’s Position in 1986, he was asked to become a member of the Leadership Unit of the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Education. As a result, Bill and Jo moved to Saskatoon. During the next four years, Bill, together with other College of Education Professors, conducted reviews of the administration practices of school divisions throughout Saskatchewan. Bill’s practical experience and knowledge helped these school divisions develop better administration policies and procedures.
Bill was not only a cradle Catholic, he was a cradle and lifelong Liberal. His uncle, Alex Cameron, had been the MLA for Maple Creek from 1948 to 1971 and Bill succeeded him by being elected as the Liberal MLA for this constituency during the 1975 Provincial General Election.
Yes, Bill was a politician but in the absolute best sense of the word. He was motivated by public service. He wanted to do what was right for the people of Saskatchewan and Canada. He loved interacting with people and was always willing to listen to people who had different viewpoints.
As a former school principal, he was concerned that the recent lowering of the drinking age from 21 to 18 years of age made it too easy for alcohol to find its way into the high schools. As a result, he was instrumental in introducing the legislative amendment which increased Saskatchewan’s drinking age from 18 years of age to 19 in 1976.
Bill will forever be a Richmound Rocket. Baseball and, in particular, the SaskAlta League was an important part of the fabric of southwestern Saskatchewan and Southeastern Alberta during the 1950 to the 1970s. Hundreds of people showed up at Sports Days and tournaments to watch the games. As a pitcher, Bill threw a great fastball and he certainly knew how to get a batter’s attention by throwing it high and inside. He set a SaskAlta League pitching record when he struck out twenty Schuler Wheat King batters during one nine inning game.
As he got older and even into his 40s, he enjoyed playing with the SaskAlta Twiliters which was a team composed of baseball players who were more than 35 years of age.
Les Benjamin, the longtime NDP MP from Regina East knew Bill from their time playing baseball together in the 1950 and 1960s. It is a testament to Bill’s ability to get along with everybody and the respect that he earned, even from political opponents, that Les, together with Bill’s cousin Stuart Cameron, put forth the nomination to have Bill admitted into the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.
Bill was a celebrated curler. He almost always skipped his teams and the basement was filled with dozens of trophies.
After he and Jo retired for the second time and moved to Medicine Hat in 1990, he became an avid golfer at the Connaught Golf Course. He bought his own golf cart, much to the enjoyment of his grandchildren as Grandpa always had the time to allow them to drive the golf cart around Iris Court.
Bill and Jo’s house was always open to friends and family. Wine, laughter and animated conversation flowed freely. The two of them planted and nourished a flower garden second to none. This was truly a labour of love and they enjoyed working together.
Bill lived a life of Christian charity. He was always willing to help out others both financially and emotionally. He would take the time to do the little things like help cut his neighbours’ lawns and use his snow blower to clean their driveways and sidewalks. Bill joined the Knights of Columbus at 22 years of age. He was a member for the next 71 years, making him the longest serving member in Medicine Hat.
Dad went on 28 cruises throughout the world. For him, it wasn’t so much about the places he saw but the people he met that made it all worthwhile. While he was introducing himself to strangers, Bill would typically tell them he was from Medicine Hat and this comparatively unusual municipal name would get the stranger’s attention.
One of Bill’s biggest strengths was that he was a people person. It came so naturally to him. He always asked people about themselves. Despite his numerous accomplishments, he was never the type of person to brag about himself. He was more interested in finding out about the people around him.
Bill and Jo were a true team in every sense of the word. They were great supports of each other during their successful times. Their five children all attended and graduated from the University of Saskatchewan. Three of them graduated from U of S’s College of Law, one from the College of Engineering and one from the College of Education. However, and perhaps even more importantly, they helped each other through the difficult times such as when their days old daughter, Susan, died in 1957 and their 26-year-old son, Paul, who was just starting his legal career in Calgary, died in a car accident in 1990.
Bill and Jo spent more than seventy years together. After her death on February 18, 2020, Bill said that he missed her every day so, as a tribute to her, he continued to work in their flower garden until 2024 when he moved into Chinook Village Retirement Community.
He was active right up until the last few weeks of his life. He loved going to Medicine Hat Tiger hockey games in the winter, Medicine Hat Maverick baseball games in the summer and in his words, best of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.
He is survived by four children: Tim (Leslie), John (Marilyn), Murray (Delihla) and Kathy (Norm); 13 grandchildren: Erin (Josh Cornet), Mark, Will, Josie (Gregg Lewis), Drew (Avery Buye), Anderson (Andrea Gould), Jacqui, Kassia (Justin Wollin), Rose, Paul (Kirsten Hill), Thomas, John Mark and Luc; 10 great grandchildren, Seth, Tully, Paige, Allison, Haylee, Adalyn, Aria, Samuel, Jack and June.
Also left to cherish Bill’s memory are his sister: Dolores McCarthy and the rest of the McCarthy Clan in British Columbia, Jo’s four sisters: Rosemarie/Sr.Teresita, Carol Sproul, Dolores Stodalka (Ken Reynolds), Audrey (Keith) Eslinger and Jo’s three brothers: George (Jean) Kambeitz, Jerry (Agneta) Kambeitz and Peter (Lynda) Sereda and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was predeceased by his wife, Josephine (2020); son, Paul (1990); daughter, Susan (1957); parents, Jack and Alice; brother, Donald; Jo’s parents, Frank and Theresa Kambeitz and brothers-in-law, Ben Kambeitz and Brian McCarthy.
A Vigil Prayer Service will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 13 Street SW, Medicine Hat on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 7:00 PM. Vigil Prayers will be live-streamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to join with the family, can visit the Cook Southland website and select the View Broadcast button on the home page at service time.
A Memorial Mass in celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road SE, Medicine Hat on Monday, March 17, 2025, at 11:00 AM with Father Myles Gaffney celebrant. Those wishing to join the family virtually and experience the Funeral Mass are invited to watch via live-stream by connecting to YouTube and searching: Medicine Hat Holy Family Parish and selecting the live video link.
The Family would also like to extend a special thank you to Marcia Stodalka, Stuart Cameron, Dolores Stodalka, Ken Reynolds, George and Jean Kambeitz for all of the help they have given Bill, particularly over the last five years.
Flowers, although Bill loved them, are graciously declined.
If friends so desire, charitable donations in Bill’s memory my be made to Jasper Cultural & Historical Centre, 311 Jasper St. Maple Creek, SK, S0N 1N0 or St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Parish in Richmound, SK, Box 70, Fox Valley, SK, S0N 0V0.
Our family has always been incredibly proud of our familial connection to this remarkable man. He will be forever missed.

“Those who have instructed many in uprightness will shine bright as stars for all eternity.”
Dan 12:3

(Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthalnd,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”

BEVERLY ANDRUS

BEVERLY ANDRUS 1952-2025 Bev passed away on March 9, 2025, at the age of 72 surrounded by her loved ones. Bev was a kind and generous soul. Bev was born July 28, 1952, in Empress, Alberta to LeRoy and Rachel Callaghan. She was raised in Buffalo where she attended elementary school and high school in Brooks. After graduation she moved to Calgary where she worked and met her future husband, Gordon, they married November 2, 1974. Bev and Gordon settled in Cowley where they raised their three boys, Ryan, Craig and Mark. Her boys were the light of her life, next to her grandchildren, Ashton and Finley. In 2007 after she moved to Medicine Hat, she went back to school to first get her Health Care Aid and then went on to receive her LPN. She took such pride in everything she accomplished. She later moved to Beaumont where she continued nursing before returning to Medicine Hat and worked at Marshalls where her coworkers quickly became family.
Bev is survived by her children, Ryan (Bev) Andrus, Craig Andrus, Mark (Jennifer) Andrus, Ron (Sue) Andrus, Sandy Dodd, Cindy Andrus and their families; grandchildren, Ashton (Peyton) and Finley. Her siblings, Greg and Donna (Blaine); sister-in-law, Harriet Callaghan; sister-in-law, Carol Callaghan; brother-in-law, Don Olson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her parents, LeRoy and Rachel Callaghan; husband, Gordon Andrus; brothers, Bryon Callaghan and Garry Callaghan; sister, Teresa Callaghan and stepdaughter, Terry Andrus.
We welcome everyone to join us in remembering Bev at the Harmony Hall (#1 1st St SE, Redcliff) March 18, 2025. Doors open @ 1:00 with service starting @ 1:30. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Medicine Hat SPCA may be made in Bev’s memory. Condolences may be made at http://www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by

Grace Memorial Affordable Burial & Cremation 1924 10th Ave N.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5 http://www.gracememorial.com 403-905-0440

WENDY JALBERT

1958 – WENDY JALBERT – 2025
Wendy Joyce Jalbert, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, in her hometown of Medicine Hat, Alberta, at the age of 66 years. Born on July 8, 1958, to Ronald and Deanna Coleman, Wendy’s early years were filled with joy and a love for animals, particularly horses, as she spent memorable summer vacations on Harrison’s farm near Aneroid, Saskatchewan. Wendy graduated from Crescent Heights High School in 1976. On July 16, 1977, she married her soulmate, Owen Jalbert, and together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and support. She took great pride in their family cabinetry and renovation business, where she enjoyed working alongside Owen whenever possible. Wendy’s nurturing nature extended to her role as a mother to her son, Kendall (Kacie), and as a grandmother to her beloved grandsons, Stetson and Bennett. Her family was her world, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Throughout her life, she exemplified a heart for service, tirelessly putting the needs of others before her own. Her compassionate spirit shone brightly in her many endeavors, including her employment with various businesses in Medicine Hat, where she became a cherished community member. She also devoted countless hours to volunteering with organizations such as 4-H and the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede, always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Wendy was also a proud member of organizations such as Job’s Daughters and the Order of the Eastern Star, where she made many lasting friendships throughout her life. She also enjoyed gardening and camping with family and friends. Wendy also leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Deanna Coleman; sister, Lynn (Brian) Konrad; as well as numerous nieces, grandnieces, nephews, and grandnephews who will miss her dearly. Her father, Ronald Coleman, preceded her death in 2020. Wendy’s strength and spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her legacy of kindness and service reminds us of the importance of community and compassion. The Celebration of Wendy’s Life will be held at Connaught Golf Club 2802 – 13 Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, AB, on Saturday, March 15th, 2025, at 1:00 pm. A get-together and time of fellowship will follow from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Friends and family are invited to attend at their convenience. If unable to attend, you are invited to participate via live stream by logging on to http://www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Wendy’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Her family encourages those wishing to honor Wendy’s memory to engage in acts of kindness and service to others, reflecting her unwavering commitment to lending a hand. As we say goodbye to Wendy, we celebrate her life and the love she imparted to all. We are proud of her strength and the indelible mark she left on our hearts. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Wendy Jalbert. 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.

KAREN MARGARET VAN MAARION

KAREN MARGARET VAN MAARION
November 14th, 1965 March 8th, 2025
Karen Van Maarion passed away peacefully in the comfort of her own home on March 8th, 2025, after a long, hard battle with cancer. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Murray Van Maarion; children, Kelsi (Raymond) Wagenaar, Travis (Kimberlyn) and Tristan; grandchildren, Stella, Leo and Beau; Murray and Karen’s pets, Dexter, Garfield, Pearl and Bucky; brothers, Terry (Linda) Gomke and Ivan Gomke; sister-in-law, Mary Gomke; granddogs, Farley, Mathers, Butter and Benny. Karen was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Margaret Gomke; brother, Reg Gomke.
Karen was born in Brooks, AB and raised in Duchess, AB. She took hairdressing in school and delivered mail for Canada Post. Murray and Karen married on May 23rd, 1996. Karen enjoyed shopping, spending time with her all of her family especially her grandchildren, helping people and taking care of her family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Hillcrest Church on March 20th, 2025, at 1:30pm with Pastor George Koopmans officiating. Donations in Karen’s memory may be made to Tom Baker Cancer Centre or Margery Yuill Cancer Centre. Condolences may be made at http://www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by

Grace Memorial Affordable Burial & Cremation 1924 10th Ave N.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5 http://www.gracememorial.com 403-905-0440

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