May 13, 1921 – May 10, 2023
at the age of 101 years:
With heavy hearts we sadly announce the passing of Ivy May Dale (nee Hall) at Shuswap Lake Hospital in Salmon Arm, BC on May 10, three days shy of her 102nd birthday. Born May 13, 1921, at Pipestone, MB, she was the 4th child of fourteen. She was predeceased by her first husband Jessey Jones and her second husband Thomas Dale. She is survived by siblings Eva Nixon, Estevan SK, William Hall (Helen) Brandon MB, Lyle Hall (Margaret) Virden MB, sisters-in-law Irene Hall Lacombe AB, and Enid Hall Virden MB.
She is lovingly remembered by her children Norman Jones (Betty) Elkhorn MB, Delores Weddick Enderby BC, Joyce Jones Medicine Hat AB, and Linda Cowan, Moosomin SK. This matriarch leaves behind many grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, too numerous to list.
This beautiful hardworking lady overcame many obstacles in her life with dignity and courage. She had a passion for quilting and over her lifetime made hundreds of quilts for friends and family.
Fiercely independent, Ivy lived on her own in Vernon, BC up until January of this year, when she moved in with her daughter in Enderby.
She touched everyone who knew her with her easygoing practical ways, her selflessness, dry wit and back slapping hugs!
No funeral by request, instead she asks that each family remembers her by having a picnic.
March 19, 1917 – May 9, 2023
at the age of 106 years:
A celebration of Edna Ratliff will be held at Grace Bible Church – 5661 Silver Star Rd. Vernon B.C, on June 1, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Graveside Committal – Salem Cemetery Waldheim SK on June 26, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
Edna was born on a farm in Elbow, SK to Lorne Abrams and Lena (Miller) Abrams, the third of four children. Her father died shortly before she turned six and although they were poor she had a happy childhood. When Edna was seventeen a travelling evangelist held special meetings in her hometown. He preached John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that he gave His only son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. “ From then on her highest priority was to live for God and to serve Him wholeheartedly. After high school she attended Millar College in Pambrun SK for three years. It was there that she met her future husband Ed Ratzliff from Waldheim SK and married him after graduating.
Ed and Edna pioneered the Church of the Open Bible in Swift Current Sask. and eventually went as missionaries to Ethiopia with SIM. After the Second World War, the King of Ethiopia welcomed missionaries to start medical clinics and schools to help educate his people and he would then allow freedom of religion. So, with three young children, Bob, Dennis, and Ruth, they headed to the remote and mountainous region of southern Ethiopia. Their fourth child, Eunice, was born four years later in Addis Ababa. They served with SIM for twenty-nine years.
They eventually moved to Vancouver Island and were involved in camp ministry at Camp Qwanoes. They retired in Abbotsford and after Ed’s death in 2006, Edna moved to Vernon B.C. to reside near her daughter Eunice and husband Larry Woelke.
Edna had 13 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and 1 great, great-grandchild, with another to arrive this month. And the legacy goes on.
Edna lived a rich and inspiring life influencing many as a public speaker and teacher. One of her greatest joys during her 80’s and 90’s was teaching women in Bible Studies. Even at the age of 106 she had a keen mind, was a voracious reader and was still walking daily. Edna was an amazing and memorable lady. She was strong minded, spunky, vivacious, classy, and lived out her Christian faith to the very end. She walked into the hospital 19 days prior to her passing and after she was told she had a serious case of pneumonia, she told the doctor, ”I want to go to heaven. I have lived long enough!” When hospice was discussed with her, she said she would like that, but really didn’t know what they did there. The doctor asked, with amusement, “What would you LIKE to do there?” and she answered with enthusiasm, “I would like to read!” In reality, Edna struggled with very poor eyesight, she had difficulty hearing and life was becoming increasingly difficult for her. She remained a blessing to many around her to the very end. She will be missed.
A celebration of Edna Ratliff will be held at Grace Bible Church – 5661 Silver Star Rd. Vernon B.C,
on June 1, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. Graveside Committal – Salem Cemetery Waldheim SK on June 26, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
April 19, 1934 – May 6, 2023
at the age of 89 years:
Russell and his wife Darlene have been interned at the Mt. Ida Cemetery in Salmon Arm. Russell is predeceased by his wife Darlene, daughter Cynthia, his brother Don and parents. He is survived by his son Walter Hart, daughter Lyn Winfield (Jerry) seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild and three sisters, Phyllis, Norine and Sandy living in the United States. He passed at the Salmon Arm hospital with family and friends by his side.
Russell was originally from Michigan state. He served in the US Army before answering the call into ministry. He used the GI Bill to attend Northwest Nazarene College (now university) where his roommate introduced him to Darlene while doing summer work in Wyoming. They were married for 49 years and retired in Salmon Arm in 1999 after 38 years in ministry through the Church of Nazarene. They pastored in BC, Yukon, Washington state, Northwest Territories, and Alberta. To make ends meet he became a skilled carpenter and ministered to many through his craft.
We would like to thank his extended church family from Crossroads Free Methodist church who have been his constant support. It has been an honor to share our parents with you over the past 24 years. We would also like to thank his second extended family at Andover Terrace for the impeccable care you provided and the friendships he made while living there. He loved his tablemates, his fellow puzzlers and the many opportunities given to share his faith and love of Jesus with you.
Russell will be greatly missed, and we are comforted in knowing he is no longer in pain and is celebrating eternity with his heavenly father and beloved wife and family. At Russell’s request, there will be no service instead, there will be a private gathering in July.
July 21, 1944 – May 6, 2023
at the age of 78 years:
It is with heavy hearts, the family of Mary (Leona) Johnson announce her sudden passing at 78 years old in Salmon Arm, BC on May 6th, 2023.
Leona was born and raised in Terrace, BC where she met her husband Jack Johnson and worked for Reim Motors. Leona and Jack welcomed 2 children into the world and spent their early years in Nass Camp and then returned to Terrace for 3 more years. The family moved to Salmon Arm in 1976, where she resided for the remainder of her life. Leona worked at the Greyhound Depot for over 20 years.
Leona will be remembered for the beautiful life that she and Jack created together for 60 years. She was known for her kindness, her contagious laugh, and her ability to bring people together. Leona spent her free time baking and canning, camping, playing cards and curling in her younger years.
Leona was predeceased by her father and mother Charles and Mary Abney.
Leona will be greatly missed by her husband Jack, stepmother Florence, sister Judy (Colin), stepsister Glenda, her daughter Dana (Kelly), her son Kevin (Trina), step son John (Alanna) and step daughter Lori-Ann (Rocky), along with her grandchildren Chad (Jorri), Drew (Elizabeth), Megan, Levi (Courtney), Bryana (Rob), Jackilee, Sydni, Shane, Brittany (Nick), Jared (Robin), Jenna (Liam), Travis (Jessica), Janelle (Jeff) and her 14 great grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held in honor of Leona at the Field of Dreams at 2:30 on Saturday, June 3rd, 2023.
This will be an opportunity for us to gather and honour Leona’s life in a meaningful and peaceful way. We will come together and share stories and memories of the special times we spent with Leona, remembering the love and joy she brought to everyone’s life.
April 25, 1956 – May 2, 2023
at the age of 67 years
June 5, 1944 – April 29, 2023
at the age of 78 years:
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Ferns in the Salmon Arm Hospital. He leaves behind his wife, Janet, daughters Ginger (Todd), Cindy (Matthew), grandsons Evan, Brecken and Kiernan and granddaughter, Hannah.
He will be missed.
No service at Gary’s request.
Donations can be made in Gary’s name to the charity of your choice.
