Obits | DrumhellerMail

Condolences to the family of Norma June McConkey (nee Elkins)

NormaMcConkey

McConkey
(nee Elkins)
Norma June

June 30, 1930 - January 19, 2021

Norma McConkey, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, formerly of Qualicum Beach, BC, passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at the QEII Hospital, at the age of 90 years.
Norma was born Norma June Elkins on June 30, 1930, in Drumheller, AB, to Carrie and Ernest Elkins. Norma had one sibling, a younger sister Audrey Marie. Norma grew up in Drumheller, where, after completing high school, she started a career at Stedman’s Department Store. She soon met and married Joseph Hillard McConkey, and the two were married on December 12, 1951. In 1972, Norma and Joe moved to Grande Prairie. Joe worked with Alberta Power and Norma with Sears. In 1987, they retired to Qualicum Beach, on Vancouver Island. After the passing of Joe in 2017, Norma returned to Grande Prairie to be near Rob.
Norma had a very outgoing personality and vivid sense of humour, which would be on display from time to time while working at Sears. Along with Maureen Sallows and Jean Olsen, the three ladies were always up to something.
She loved to garden, especially in Qualicum Beach. If a weed popped up, Norma would be in her yard digging it out. She, along with Joe, faithfully served at their church in Qualicum Beach. Norma loved church and her Lord Jesus.
Norma is survived by her children: Daryl Wayne McConkey of Drumheller; Robert Kendall McConkey of Grande Prairie, and Brenda Marie Clements of Kelowna, BC; Norma is also survived by her sister Audrey Cameron of White Rock, BC; her four grandchildren: Davro Joseph Clements (Chontay) of Midland, Texas; Cole Ole Clements (Kelsey) of Red Deer, Alberta; Breeann Marie McConkey-Franke (Dylan) of Grande Prairie, and Kaidy Marie McConkey-Dunn (Brandyn) of Grande Prairie; Norma was also blessed with 5 great-grandchildren, the youngest of which was born just 2 days prior to her passing: Nora Marie Rose Franke, Finnian Cole Franke, Remington Marie Dunn, Winston George Dunn, and Peyton Marie Clements.
Norma was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Joe, on September 26, 2017.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.oliversfuneralhome.com

Condolences to the family of Ronald Bertsch

RonBertsch

BERTSCH
Ronald

June 30, 1934 - January 14, 2021

Ronald Bertsch, a long-time resident of Rosebud/Drumheller area went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 14th, 2021 at the age of 86.
Ron was born June 30th, 1934 at Rosebud, Alberta to Alvina and Arthur Bertsch.
He, along with his brother Llewelyn, was raised on the family farm north of Rosebud. Ron married the love of his life, Vivian Henschel on June 25th, 1960 and they raised their family while farming at Rosebud. Ron and Viv retired to Drumheller in 2004.
Ron leaves behind his loving wife, Vivian, after almost 61 years of marriage. He also leaves to mourn, his children Dawn (Robert) Bancroft, Cameron (Deanne) Bertsch, Brent (Jennifer) Bertsch, and Jason (Ashley) Bertsch; his grandchildren Renee (Brad) Storch, Brianne, Derek (Karen) Bancroft, Emily, Erin, Kiara, Tavia Bertsch, and Trent Fredrickson and his great-grandchildren Eden and Autumn. Ron also leaves to mourn his brother Llewelyn (Joyce) Bertsch.
Ron ran the Rosebud Post office with Viv for many years and was a bus driver for Wheatland County for 44 years. He was a dedicated community member, a Rosebud Lion, a Rosebud Historical Society board member, and a Drumheller Co-op board member. He was the MC at the Annual Rosebud Christmas Concert for years.
Ron was an amazing storyteller, who loved a great joke. He listened intently to people and when he spoke he did so with purpose and care. He shared his talent and love for music with many, singing in church and in the community as part of a quartet or gathering his children and grandchildren to sing together at family events.
Due to Covid, no service will be held at this time.
Condolences, tributes, and photos can be shared with Courtney-Winters Funeral home.
Our families would like to extend their gratitude to the nursing staff, and all hospital staff, as well as Dr. Mateer and Dr. Veronique Ram. Words hardly seem adequate for the excellent care and concern dad received.

Condolences to the family of Leonard Bernard and Marion Patricia Olsen

LeonardandMarionOlsen

OLSEN

Leonard Bernard
February 3, 1927 - January 12, 2021

Marion Patricia
December 27, 1932 - January 12, 2021

It is with great love and deep sorrow that the family of Marion Patricia Olsen and Leonard Bernard Olsen announce their passing due to COVID-19 on Tuesday, January 12th, 2021 at the ages of 88 and 93, respectively. Marion and Leonard’s memory will be cherished by their children Bernard Olsen, Patricia Zilinski (Randy), Judy Olsen, and Holly Olsen-Leaf (Scott); grandchildren Greg, Katie, Christina, Logan, Jenna, Melissa, Thomas, and Celia; great-grandchildren Cohen, Isla, and Lincoln. Marion and Leonard are pre-deceased by their parents, Arthur and Erella Johnson, and Christ and Elvira Olsen; their loving daughter-in-law Jane Olsen, and their grandson Wesley Zilinski.
Marion was born on December 27th, 1932 in the town of Drumheller to Arthur and Erella Johnson. Leonard was born on February 3rd, 1927 in the town of Morrin to Christ and Elvira Olsen. Marion and Leonard were married on October 23rd, 1954 in the Morrin Lutheran Church.
They built a wonderful life together living on their farm in Morrin and later moved to Calgary in 1974. Marion had many talents and could almost always be found baking or sewing. She loved her children and grandchildren dearly and would do anything she could to make them smile. Marion was a homemaker and created a loving home for her children and grandchildren to grow up in. Leonard was an avid sports fan, a skilled farmer, and was such a proud dad and papa. He had an admirable work ethic, not retiring until he was 83. Leonard continued to work on the farm even when he was employed by Motion Canada. One of his proudest achievements was when he was celebrated as the longest serving employee in the company’s history. Together, Marion and Leonard spent their years travelling around the world, taking weekend trips to the farm, and spoiling their grandchildren.
Marion and Leonard will be deeply missed by all. We thank the staff at St. Marguerite Manor for their care of Marion and Leonard in their final years. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes can be made directly to the Alzheimer Society of Calgary. Photos, memories, and condolences can be shared through Courtney-Winters Funeral Home in Drumheller. 403-823-2666

More Articles ...