July 16, 1931 - November 18, 2021
In loving memory ~
Phyllis Margery Fernie Epp was born in Grenfell, SK on July 16, 1931. She was the first of 8 children born to Charles and Emily McKenzie. Her early life was spent on their dairy farm. But in 1935 the Dust Bowl took the farm, and the family (now with 3 children) was forced to relocate. Charles found a job building the dam on Cowan Lake, and they moved to northern Saskatchewan. Their new home: a one-room shack, 15 miles "up the lake" from the nearest town, Big River.
Phyllis didn't attend school until they moved into town in 1942. She was a bright student but had to leave early to earn money. Her first job was working in a fish plant at Doré Lake, 70 miles to the north. In her later teens, she landed a job in Regina as a housekeeper for the Brodies, owners of a local women's dress shop. In no time, Phyllis became part of their family - and also quite fashionable!
When Phyllis was 22, she married. A few years later, divorced and with two boys under 3, she moved to Alberta to work as a housekeeper for Bill Stauffer on his farm near Botha, AB.
In 1966 she married Abe Epp, who was a loving husband and father to her boys. For nearly 30 years she and Abe farmed near Botha. They had an active life with family and lots of friends - and lots and lots of animals! They had horses, goats, donkeys, pigs, chickens, rabbits, guinea pigs, gerbils, birds and, of course, dogs and cats. All were treated like pets. Phyllis was also very active in the United Church. According to Jerry Watkins, a minister in Botha, "Phyllis welcomed us into her heart and home."
Abe died in 1995. Phyllis stayed on the farm for a while, then moved to Stettler. She adjusted to town living, volunteered a lot, and made even more friends. She continued to have pets (though only small ones) and even befriended the veterinarian.
Four years ago, Phyllis moved to a nursing home in Lamont (east of Edmonton) where she was treated with great love and kindness. She passed into the next dimension on November 18, 2021.
Phyllis leaves her two sons Terry (Alexia) and Randy (Bev). She also leaves many grandchildren, other family and lots and lots of friends.
A celebration of life for Phyllis will be in spring or summer in Stettler.
If people wish to donate in Phyllis's name, she would like it to go to the Stettler United Church or the SPCA.