Linda Olfert

1963 - 2015

Linda Marie Olfert, beloved wife of Ernest Olfert of Hays, passed away in Taber on Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at the age of 52 years.

Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, July 19, 2015 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.

The Funeral Service was held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Brethren Church, 320 - 9 Street North, Vauxhall on Monday, July 20, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. Burial followed at the Vauxhall Mennonite Cemetery.

Linda is survived by her husband Ernest Olfert; sons Jonathan and Kaleb Olfert; father and step mother Ralph (Polly) Eilers; brothers Dan (Allyn) Eilers of California and their children Evangeline and Julia; Tom (Elisabeth) Eilers of California and their children Teresa and Luke; step sisters Paula Ewing of California and Susan Stringer of Texas. She is also survived by her mother-in-law Katharina Olfert; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law E. Katharine (Howard) Rymes, Tom (Esther) Olfert, Shirley (Jerry) Vanderveen, Sandra (Herb) Maekelburger as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her infant daughter Ruthie; mother Marie Eilers and father-in-law Abram Olfert.

Linda was born July 5, 1963 in St. Helens, Oregon to Ralph and Marie Eilers. She grew up with her loving family in southern California. At age three, Linda began playing piano, later becoming an accomplished pianist. At age sixteen, Linda lost her mother to cancer which impacted her life for many years. After obtaining a volleyball scholarship, she graduated with a bachelor of nursing from California State University at San Diego. She worked in the IT department for the American Forces hospital in Germany. From 1995 - 1996 she served on a mission team in southern Russia, where she met the love of her life. Shortly after, Linda completed a masters degree in Missions at Trinity College, Chicago. On July 11, 1998 Ernie and Linda were married in San Diego. They moved to Hays where they had their children, Jonathan and Kaleb. Linda loved her boys deeply and was a devoted mother to them always. She home schooled them and taught piano lessons to many local children. Linda was highly motivated by her faith in the Lord. Her faith remained strong throughout her long four and a half year struggle with cancer. Linda retained a tender and beautiful spirit until the end of her earthly journey. She is now in heaven, healed and rejoicing with her heavenly Father.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Linda’s memory may be made for her sons Jonathan and Kaleb by contacting E. Olfert by phone at (403) 725-0007, email or in care of Box 40, Hays, Alberta T0K 1B0.