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Phyllis Fay

Phyllis Fay was born to Ellis and Fay Vetter on October 14th, 1926 at Veteran, Alberta. She grew up on the family farm a half mile north of Veteran. Phyllis was later joined with 2 sisters Dorothy in 1932 and Shirley in 1937. She attended Veteran School for her education.

Phyllis was a member of the Veteran Sewing club and a very active member of the United Church for most of her life while living in Veteran. She attended Olds College on a couple of occasions during the summer months to further her education.

On July 2nd, 1952, Phyllis married Arlos Long, whose family also resided in the Veteran area. Around that same time they purchased their own farm, just a short distance S.E. of the town, and started their own farming operation. On November 1st of 1953, they welcomed their first born into the family, Gordon. They also welcomed Wayne into the family on April 6th of 1956, and Ian on April 14th of 1958. Growing up on the family farm for the three boys was a never ending variety of outdoor adventures!

Curling was always one of Phyllis' favorite sports and was always involved in bonspiels throughout the area. Even though she was no longer able to participate, she never missed watching a game on TV! She used to complain that there was WAY too much hockey and not enough curling.

Phyllis always loved her flowers and gardening. She would spend hour after hour with any spare time that presented itself making sure everything was perfect and of course the freezer was always full of vegetables for the winter.

After retirement and selling their beloved farm, they had two very special extended tours in the newly purchased motor home. The first one was to Alaska with Arlos' sister Esther. They all enjoyed each other's company immensely and always relived the trip any time they got together! They second trip was by themselves across Canada to the east coast and made it all the way to St. John's Newfoundland! The highlight of the trip for Phyllis was visiting "Ann of Green Gables."

With Arlos' health failing, Phyllis was not as readily capable of caring for him; the decision was made to move to the Heart Haven Lodge in Stettler. In August of 2005, they had a farm sale, which was a very hard time for both of them as they had lived in the Veteran area all of their lives, and at their farm for 53 years! Heart Haven was a huge adjustment for them, but soon made numerous new friends, and they were always overwhelmed with the number of lifelong friends that would stop in to visit from Veteran and area. She immediately upon arriving took over care of one of the flower gardens at the Lodge. It brought such great satisfaction for her when she would show it to everyone that visited!

In October of 2006, they were blessed with their first Great Granddaughter, Ava, who arrived just in time for Phyllis' 80th birthday! This brought the biggest smile ever to Great Grandma, and in July of 2008, another Great Granddaughter arrived, Brooklyn. Phyllis truly treasured any time she got to spend with her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren! Most recently she became a Great Grandmother for the third time as Hartley was born in April.

In December of 2010, Arlos passed away at the age of 96. This was obviously a very tough time for Phyllis. They had been married for 58 wonderful years and always said she regretted nothing.

In January of 2013, Ian passed away. This was absolutely devastating for her, as it is for anyone to lose a child. Her mother told her the toughest thing to do in a lifetime is bury a child, as she buried Shirley before she passed, and now Phyllis knew it was true.

Christmas and family were two very important things in Phyllis' life. She travelled to Fort Saint John, B.C. with Karen, Wayne, Jason and Angie to spend Christmas 2013 with Tyler, Amanda, Ava and Brooklyn. Phyllis overall enjoyed reasonably good health until her sudden passing on June 30, 2014. I believe I can speak for everyone that knew her in saying she will be very deeply missed and always loved for the very special lady she was.

Memorial service was held on Saturday, July 5, 2014 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Mervyn Penfound officiating. Melanie Weekes presented her gift of music. Family friend Ron Allison gave the tribute and spoke of many wonderful occasions in Phyllis and Arlos life. Cremation has taken place and burial will be held in Veteran Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Veteran Cemetery. Family and friends gathered for a time of fellowship and a luncheon prepared and served by the Stettler UCW. Condolences may be viewed or sent to the family at www.stettlerfuneralhome.com or www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com

PARKVIEW/STETTLER FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORIUM

entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.



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