Betty Friesen

1921 - 2018

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Elizabeth Friesen. Betty passed away in Taber on Friday, January 12, 2018 at the age of 96 years. 

 Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, January 15, 2018 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.

 The Funeral Service was held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 324 - 2 Avenue North, Vauxhall on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Alana Johnson officiating. Burial followed at the Vauxhall Cemetery. 

 Betty is survived by her children Ron (Kathie) Friesen of Taber, Geri (Roy) Reti of Taber, Ruth Lamond of Lethbridge, Rick (Kathy) Friesen of Vauxhall, Margaret (Richard) Brown of Nanaimo, British Columbia, Brenda (John) Easthom of Crofton, British Columbia and Raymond (Pat) Friesen of Taber; nineteen grandchildren and twenty nine great grandchildren; son-in-law Jim Nemeth of Longview, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

 She was predeceased by her husband Ben, daughter Deb Nemeth, son-in-law Dr. Howard Ritchie; sisters Mary Buhler in Russia and Nettie Schwab, Helen Reimer, Ruth Heinrichs, Adena Laybourn and Ann Keeling; brother Peter Thiessen.

 Mom was born in Barvenkova, Ukraine, Russia, on April 8, 1921. She immigrated to Canada with her family when she was four years old. They settled at Mullengar, Saskatchewan, later moving to Rosemary then Gem, Alberta. Mom began her nursing training, which she loved, but left to care for her ailing father in Vauxhall, where she met the love of her life, Ben Friesen. They married on June 16, 1944, and farmed northeast of Vauxhall, on the banks of the Bow River. They retired into Vauxhall in 1990. Mom loved gardening, both on the farm and in their yard in Vauxhall. Betty also enjoyed crafts, and the family have many pieces of her beautiful needlework.  She was very determined, and no task was too big of a challenge. Betty was a proud member of the Willing Workers, later the Vauxhall Seniors and Cemetery Committee.

 The family was always most important in her life, and all the grandchildren were treasured equally. We were blessed with many family gatherings and celebrations, showered with cooking and baking, especially her apple squares. Mom was a true pioneer, supporting Dad and the family in all their endeavours. She was an inspiration to all and will be sadly missed.