PASCHKE
Mrs. Leona Martha Paschke, a life long resident of Stettler, passed away on October 13, 2010 at the age of 88 years. Leona was the eldest daughter of Mary and Earl Lagore and was born May 1, 1922 at the family farm near Buffalo Lake. She grew up in a large family of five boys and seven girls; and went to school at Vimy Ridge and Skybo Schools. She met Willie Paschke, who played a mean banjo, at a dance at a local community centre and they married and raised two boys, Larry and Gordon. She worked very hard on the family farm, raising chickens, pigs and cattle and selling cream and eggs. Once the boys were older she worked in the Stettler Auction Mart Kitchen and then later went to work at the Stettler Hospital working in the laundry for many years. Willie passed away in 1998 and she sold the farm and moved into a small home in Stettler and enjoyed her time playing bingo and the wonderful companionship of the people of the Royal Canadian Legion Coffee group. In 2005 she moved into Paragon Place where she met many wonderful new friends and rekindled some old friendships. She enjoyed crocheting, knitting and especially playing cards. She leaves to mourn her passing: her son Larry (Julie) Paschke; grandchildren: Rayleen (Vic) Paschke, Curt Paschke, Brett (Joanne) Paschke; great grandchildren: Kayde, Baylee, Emmalee, Madison, Trish, Trent and BJ. Her cherished sisters will forever miss her: Doris (Doug) Russell of Sutherlin, OR, Ilene Stewart of Bashaw, Joyce (Richard) Donald of Vancouver, Lois (Gordon) Fitzsimmons of Gresham, OR, Willa Hines of Edmonton and Ada (Larry) Church of Botha; sisters in law: Mabel Lagore, Agnes Lagore, Betty Lagore; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. She was predeceased by her husband Willie and her son Gordon (Butch) in 1998, her brothers Ernest, Paul, Randy, Len and Ken; sisters in law: Cathie Lagore, Hazel Lagore, Betty Lagore, Elsie Paschke, Elaine Swain. Funeral services were held on Saturday, October 16, 2010 at the Heartland Chapel of Stettler Funeral Home with Rev. Jack Schulze officiating. Elaine Hennel played for the congregational hymns. Connie Russell presented the tribute, memories of Leona from Jack and Sandra Bosma's family, a beautiful poem written by her sister Doris. Recorded musical selections "Farewell Party" and "Go Rest High On That Mountain" were played during the service. Leona was laid to rest beside her husband and son at Lake View Cemetery with Donnie Harbison, John Keast, Allen Sharpe, Gary Sharpe, Lyle Smith and Verle Lang serving as Pallbearers. Honorary Pallbearers were Dora Sharpe, Erwin and Rosemary Repp, Jack and Sandra Bosma, Muriel Hearonemus, Joan Hennel, Paul Wuerfel, Jean Anderson, Doreen Truellson, Millie Wahlund and her cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family and friends gathered in the Heartland Reception Centre for a time of sharing and fellowship and a luncheon prepared and served by the Ladies of the Royal Purple. Memorial donations may be made to SHSF - Home Care or to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stettlerfuneralhome.com