Aug 12, 1925 - Jan 8, 2018
Bernice Lucile Everett passed away peacefully on January 8, 2018 at the Heritage House Care Home in Stettler, Alberta.
Bernice Lucile Riggins was born August 12, 1925 at the Long Grass Ranch at Leo, Alberta to parents Edgar and Jenny Riggins. Bernice spent all her early years on the homestead at Leo where she also attended school.
On January 5, 1944 Bernice married the love of her life Clarence Richard Everett. To this union four children were born, sons Granton, Barry and Clifford and one daughter Rachel. Clarence and Bernice took over the Everett Family Farm south of Botha and remained there to raise their family until 1994. In this year they decided to retire, sell the farm and move to Stettler.
After a few years in their own home in Stettler, Clarence and Bernice resided in Paragon Place until Clarence's passing. Over the last seven years Bernice lived at Pine Ridge Nursing Home, Points West and Heritage House Long Term Care where she resided until her passing.
Bernice was very involved in the Botha Community. She was a member of several clubs, some of which were Botha UCW, Botha Old-time Dance Club, Square Dance Club, several different 4H clubs and the Botha Seniors Centre. Clarence and Bernice were also active volunteers with the Superfluity Shop in Stettler.
Clarence and Bernice travelled in their later years, visiting many far away places. Some of their travels took them on a month-long trip to Europe, two trips to Hawaii, a month trip with their fifth wheel to Alaska, a month long bus trip throughout the United States, and a camping trip all the way to the east coast.
Bernice loved to spend time with her family and her friends. She spent many hours camping and fishing, loved to square dance and old-time dance and also took up floor curling at the Botha Seniors Center. In 1982 Bernice received a certificate in recognition of her many hours of service to the Superfluity Shop in Stettler. In 1984 Bernice volunteered and participated in the Alberta Winter Games and in 2001 which was the international Year of the Volunteer, Bernice was recognized by the Government of Canada for her years of service as a volunteer.
Bernice was most proud of her grandchildren and their accomplishments. When the great-grandchildren and the great-great-grandchildren came along, they became the light of her life. Bernice absolutely loved children and even more so in her last years, right up to her passing.
Bernice is survived by her sons Grant Everett, Clifford Everett (Rena); daughter Rachel Akre (Lorne); four grandsons: Michael Everett (Beth), Kerry Everett (Chantel), Tracey Everett (Amber), Wade McCord; five granddaughters: Rhonda Anderson (Gary), Sandra Docherty (Alex), Angela Wendorff (Markus), Susan Jackson (Jeremy) and Gaylene Whitley; 23 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; two sisters: Rachel Eckert (Arnie) and Verna Riggins as well as numerous other relatives and many dear friends.
Bernice was predeceased by her husband Clarence; son Barry; her parents Edgar and Jenny Riggins; brother and sister-in-law Clyde and Dolly Riggins; sister Irene and brother-in-law Fred; daughter-in-law Shirley; in-laws: Robert and Hazel Everett and Harold and Alma Everett; grandson Douglas Everett and granddaughter Jolene Akre.
Funeral services will be held at the Stettler Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Ross Helgeton officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to Cystic Fibrosis, STARS Air Ambulance or to a charity of your own choice c/o Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium, Box 1780, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0, 403-742-3422, who have been entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. To send or view condolences to the family, please visit www.stettlerfuneralhome.com
Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium
403-742-3422, entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.