All Obituaries

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Ron Becker on March 31, 2025, at the age of 97.

Ron leaves behind his daughter Donna (Rob) Coleman; two daughters-in-law Ann and Janet Becker; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.  Ron also leaves behind his dear friend Joyce Crumley.

Ron was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Rita Becker and two sons, Gary and David Becker.

Ron lived a full life starting his career with the Taber School Division building and renovating schools in Taber and surrounding areas.  He built two homes for his family in Taber.  We moved to Lethbridge in 1966 when Ron accepted the position of Building Maintenance Supervisor at Lethbridge Junior College.  He was a very dedicated employee even walking to check on the College in the April of 1967 snowstorm that brought the city to a standstill.  Ron’s last project with the College was overseeing construction of the Centre Wing.

Before retiring from the College in 1986 and after retirement, Ron built another two houses.  Ron was a jack of all trades and a very talented carpenter, always building something and helping friends and family with projects.  Ron loved golf and was a member of the Henderson Lake Golf Course for 54 years.

Ron will be dearly missed by his family and all that new him.

A family service will be held at a later date to say goodbye to Ron.

"Those we love, don't go away, they walk beside us every day.

Unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear."

With heavy hearts, the family of Trent Rougeau announce his passing on March 29th, 2025, after a long battle with alcohol addiction.

Trent is survived by his loving parents Sue & Joe Rougeau; sisters, Jordana Schmitz (Mark) and Micayla Wilson (Scott) and their daughter Keeley; grandfather Martial Rougeau (Carole); uncle Ted Rougeau (Diana) and their family; aunts Joan Lawrie, Deb Rougeau-Bell (Randy) and their family, Kathy Young (Perry) and their family.

He was predeceased by his grandpa Tom Lawrie; and grandmas Sheila Lawrie and Adele Rougeau.

Those who knew Trent will remember him for his cheerful smile, great sense of humor and  willingness to lend a helping hand.

He was extremely proud to be an Electrical Engineer and loved the work. Trent was the families go to guy for home improvement projects. He was a perfectionist and liked everything to be symmetrical.

Trent excelled in any sport he tried, recently achieving 2 hole in ones on the golf course and flying like a gazelle on the pickleball court. His skill at trash talking opponents was particularly polished.

A Celebration of Trent’s Life will be held from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at Paradise Canyon Golf Resort, 185 Canyon Blvd W, Lethbridge, Alberta.

If you are able to attend, please RSVP to micayla.rougeau@gmail.com

For those who wish, donations can be made to “Fresh Start Recovery Lethbridge”, https://freshstartrecovery.ca/donate

Husband, dad, Grandpa/Papa, Friend and pickleball GOAT John (Jack) Frederick Burt passed away on March 29, 2025, surrounded by family after a 2.5 month battle with cancer. He was an amazing man who fiercely loved his family.

He will be deeply missed by his wife of 60 years Ruth; his 3 kids Sherry (Ken), Patti and Steve (Sally); his 8 grandkids Riley (Rita), Kendra (Dan), Brett (Becky), Caylie (Chace), Keara, Karly, Taylor and Sky; his 3.5 great grandkids Jonah, Chloe, Iverson and coming soon, baby Jack.

Going before him was his mom Rosena, dad John, sister Kerry-Lynn and brother Terry.

Jack was born in Calgary, March 16,1943, the first of three children to John and Rosena. He grew up in Lethbridge playing multiple sports. He always spent time with his extended family, as he always said, “Family is everything”. In 1962 he was hired by the Bank of Montreal where he worked in various places as he quickly climbed the ranks. He was transferred to Olds in 1963 where he met the love of his life, Ruth. They were married in Olds on June 12,1965. Their family started soon after and Sherry was born in June of 1966 in Olds; Patti in October of 1968 in Claresholm and Steve in December of 1970 in Edmonton.

In September of 1974 Jack and Ruth were transferred to Lethbridge. As previous transfers had been quick, they bought a house within 2 hours thinking they wouldn’t be there long. They enjoyed Lethbridge and were so involved with their church and community that they decided it was a great place to raise a family. The house became a home where they reside still. Jack managed the BMO North branch, the South Branch and the Coaldale Branch. Following the Bank, he worked in Insurance for a short stint before going into Real Estate and became known as “Gentleman Jack”.

Retirement brought on puttering about in his yard that he enjoyed dearly and also an obsession with pickleball. He played numerous times a week until he got sick at the beginning of January 2025.

Jack was a strong Christian and his faith in Jesus was evident in all aspects of his life. He was a great example of a Christian man. Many looked up to him and he was loved by all who met him.

A Viewing will be held at 1:30 pm, on Friday, April 4, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Friday, April 4, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta with Pastor Mark Noonen, officiating. To watch the service via livestream, please visit https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituaries/burt/john-%22jack%22-

A Reception will follow immediately after at the Bridge Church of the Nazarene 355 Stafford Drive N.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and  Stroke Foundation, https://www.heartandstroke.ca/donatetoresearch or Bridge Community Church Building fund, https://thebridgecommunitychurch.ca/about/

Services

Open Viewing

Friday

April 4, 2025

1:30 PM to 2:00 PM

MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL (Lethbridge, Alberta)

Funeral Service

Friday

April 4, 2025

2:00 PM

MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL (Lethbridge, Alberta)

This event will be livestreamed     Click here to access the video

Born on June 20, 1951, in Magrath, Alberta, Stan passed away peacefully on March 28, 2025, in the Raymond Hospital at the age of 73 years, with his girls by his side.

He is survived by his beloved wife Brenda; children Terrence, Courtney, and Nicole; sister Anne Stelten (Ralph); several grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Stan was a very kind, intelligent, loving man who would help anybody anytime. He had a thirty-three-year career as a DOT officer for the Province of Alberta.

His passion was living on the family farm with his family in Coutts, Alberta. He loved being on the tractor farming or in the barn pulling a calf at 2:00 am. This is where Stan was his happiest.

His family will truly miss him.

We ask that in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in Stan’s memory to the Raymond Hospital Auxiliary or the Raymond Auxiliary to Health Care Facility, Box 599, Raymond, Alberta, T0K 2S0.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

With broken hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Barry Allen, surrounded by his loving wife Rosemarie and her children.

Born in Lethbridge, Barry spent the majority of his life in the Baron’s area, proudly farming the Allen family homestead along with other land. Following graduation from Baron’s School, he attained his welding certificate and became a welder at many southern Alberta sites, including the Pincher Creek Gas Plant, Fort Macleod Hospital, and McCain Foods.

Barry was very active in his community. He served on the Baron’s School Board and was also instrumental in working with the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District to bring irrigation water rights to the Barons area farmers.

A very handy person, Barry enjoyed tinkering on many projects. He loved the outdoors, camping, snowmobiling, fishing, quadding, hunting and motocross racing. Barry also loved to dance: he and Rosemarie spent many memorable evenings old-time dancing together.

He is survived by his loving wife Rosemarie and her children Katherine and Kevin, as well as Rosemarie’s extended family; Barry’s children Brett (Shana) and JoDee Allen.

Barry was predeceased by his father Ernie; mother Enid (nee Taylor); brother Brian, and many other relatives.

At a later date, Barry will be set free in his favourite Dutch Creek area, alongside his beloved companions Duke and Bear.

We would like to thank the caregivers at St. Michael’s Health Centre, and all of those who have reached out to express their sympathies. Your kindness is greatly appreciated. Barry will always be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Mr. Larry Douglas Nolan of Picture Butte passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the age of 79 years.

Larry is survived by his companion Mary Ellen Sanderson and her children Jackie (Darrin) Orbeck, Michael (Elizabeth) Reid, and Raymond Sanderson; grandchildren Shayna (John) Young, Taryn Orbeck, Bradyn Orbeck, Dillan, Sophie and Bailey Reid, Sadie Wilson (Davin), Raiyn Wilson; great grandchildren Liam and Rowan Young and Lila Rae Kienlen; he is also survived by his children Shawn Nolan , Jennifer (Todd) Quinn and Travis Nolan; grandchildren Tian and Caisa Nolan; and Jordan, Tyler, Tanner and Jayden Quinn; his sister Linda (Bill) Moedt; his loving in laws, and numerous nieces and nephews; as well as many other family and friends.

He was predeceased by his wife, Mary Nolan; brother Lloyd Nolan; parents Bernard and Dora Nolan; as well as mother and father-in-law Evelyn and Raymond Elliott.

In keeping with Larry’s wishes, a private family burial will be held, with a celebration of life at a later date.

The family wishes to thank the doctors and nurses of 4B at Chinook Regional Hospital, as well as the staff at Piyami Place in Picture Butte.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Muscular Dystrophy Canada, https://muscle.ca/gifts-and-giving/

Mr.  Randall Stepple, beloved father, grandfather, brother, friend, uncle, and cousin, passed away on March 24, 2025, at the early age of 68 years.

Randy has been predeceased by his parents John and Evelyn; brother Vern; sister-in-law Diane; son Jason; and daughter Tabitha.

He is survived by his daughter Teresa and her children Madeline, Marabel, and Dexter; sons Trevor (Carmen), Nelson (Luisa) and their children Leonardo and Michaelangelo; sister Louann (Mike); brother Darron; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Randy enjoyed life to the fullest.

The family will announce a Celebration of Life date in the near future for sharing stories, and of course some drinks.

In the meantime, pictures of dad can be sent to remembering.randystepple@gmail.com.

“Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth”

Ecclesiastes 12:1a

With deep sorrow we announce that the Lord has taken out of this life our beloved son and brother Tanner Ryan de Kok, on March 21, 2025, at the age of 14 years.

Deeply mourning his loss are his parents Brian and Jacky de Kok; siblings Nicholas (Natalie van Hierden), Joshua (Arielle de Wilde), Fionna (Kyle Arnoldussen), Olivia and Emerie. Also left to mourn are his Opa and Oma’s Henry and Janey de Kok and Helen Klok, aunts and uncles Cornell and Willeta Vandenberg, John and Marie de Kok, Henry and Chelsey de Kok, Teus and Joni Anker, Jeremy and Emily de Kok, Cornell and Makayla de Kok, Nathan and Annie de Kok, Harry and Cora Van Maanen, Henk and Deanna Klok, William and Rachel Klok, Dwayne and Elina Van Maanen, Jerry and Marissa Klok; and many cousins and friends.

He was predeceased by his Opa Gerrit Klok; cousin Nathan Klok and cousin Jordon de Kok.

Tanner was born on December 26, 2010, in Lethbridge, Alberta, and passed away at the Calgary Children’s Hospital on March 21, 2025, after a brief struggle to save his life. He was attending Grade 8 at Calvin Christian School. He worked for his dad at Premiere Builders and was becoming an accomplished trumpet player. His outgoing and happy personality will be sorely missed.

Opportunity for Condolences will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF PICTURE BUTTE, 601 3A Street, Picture Butte, Alberta.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF PICTURE BUTTE, 601 3A Street, Picture Butte, Alberta, with Reverend E. C. Adams, officiating.

Interment will follow at the Picture Butte Memorial Cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Picture Butte Emergency Services, Box 1065, Picture Butte, Alberta T0K 1V0.

Mrs. Dorothy “Dot” Winter of Lethbridge, Alberta, beloved wife of the late Mr. Gerald Winter (2016), passed away suddenly on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the age of 94 years.

Dorothy is survived by her sons Gary (Pat); Bob (Katharine); grandchildren Trevor and Karla (Nick), and great grandchildren Avery, Paige and Maddy.

Dorothy lived a good life. The world lost a great joyful woman.  She led a life of levity, warm in spirit always. She loved everyone and all creatures. She would want to thank her family, her many friends, West Highlands Estates and especially her wonderful neighbour Joan.

At Dorothy’s request, no formal Funeral Service will be held.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

The tender love a father has

for all his children dear,

Such love the Lord bestows on them

Who worship Him in fear

Psalter 278:1

It is with deep sorrow we announce that the Lord has taken out of this life Jordon Henry de Kok, beloved son of Henry and Chelsey de Kok. Jordon passed away tragically on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the age of 15 years.

Jordon was born on August 15, 2009. He attended Calvin Christian School and worked for East Butte Contracting. His infectious smile and pleasant and outgoing disposition will be sorely missed by all that knew him.

Beside his parents, Jordon will be deeply missed by his loving brothers and sisters: Kylan, Adelynn, Cohen, Alayah and Ella; Opa and Oma Martin and Wilma Oudshoorn; Opa and Oma Henry and Janey de Kok; great grandmother Jenny Bezooyen; great grandfather Harry Oudshoorn. Also left to mourn his passing are his aunts and uncles Brian and Jacky de Kok, Wiletta and Cornell Vandenberg, John and Marie de Kok, Joni and Teus Anker, Jeremy and Emily de Kok, Cornell and Makayla de Kok, Nathan and Annalyn de Kok; Ashlee and Jason de Kok, Austin and Amy Oudshoorn, Twyla and David VanHierden, Jelaina and Daniel de Kok, Rylan Oudshoorn; and special friend Brooklyn Maljaars.

Jordon was predeceased by his great grandparents Oma Ena Oudshoorn, Opa John Bezooyen; Opa and Oma Huib and Jannie de Kok and Opa and Oma John and Janet Klok.

Opportunity for Condolences will be held at 6:00-8:00 pm on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF PICTURE BUTTE, 601 3A Street, Picture Butte, AB.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF PICTURE BUTTE, 601 3A Street, Picture Butte, AB with Rev. E.C. Adams officiating.

Interment will follow at the Picture Butte Memorial Cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Picture Butte Emergency Services, Box 1065, Picture Butte, Alberta T0K 1V0.

Mr. Matthew “Matt” Joseph Lutter, of Stirling, Alberta, beloved husband of Mrs. Valerie Lutter, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at the age of 87 years with his family by his side.

Matt was born in a small Hungarian village, Demecser, Hungary, on March 24, 1937. In 1955, he graduated from the Széchenyi István Economic Technical School in Nyíregyháza with a degree in finance and accounting. After the Hungarian Revolution started in 1956, he left Hungary and spent a few years in the Austrian refugee camp before settling in Canada.

In 1968, he married Valerie Lutter (Horvath) in Lethbridge and later settled in Stirling, Alberta. They remained happily married for fifty-six years until his death. They had two children: Matthew Anthony Lutter and Erika Lutter.

Matt worked at Canadian Dressed Meats (Burns) for thirty years before retiring. In his spare time, he liked collecting stamps and coins, gardening, and farming.  Additionally, Matt enjoyed watching sports and visiting with friends.

Besides his loving wife, Valerie, Matt is survived by his daughter Erika Lutter; son Matthew A. Lutter; sister Erzsébet Lutter; brother Imre Sándor Lutter; niece Krisztina Lutter; and nephew Imre Lutter, in addition to many other cousins and relatives.

Matt has been predeceased by his parents Sándor Lutter and Erzsébet Lucza; brother Sándor Lutter; and nephew Sándor Lutter.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, March 26, 2025, AT MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with Deacon Peter Lilienthal, officiating. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://youtube.com/live/TNpK7fRaDbk

Interment will follow the Service at the Stirling Cemetery.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our cherished Shania Marie Ann Crying Head on March 20, 2025, following a brief illness caused by pneumonia and MRSA.

Born on February 8, 1998, to Cheryl Lynn Crying Head and Murray First Charger, Shania faced the challenges of intergenerational trauma early in life and was lovingly placed with Les and Jeanette Vonkeman at just three months old.

Shania grew up surrounded by love and support from her siblings, including Tianna, Larissa Vonkeman, Savannah, and Marissa G, who embraced her as part of their family. As a child, Shania was a joyful spirit, her laughter and smiles lighting up the room. She developed a strong nurturing instinct, often caring for her younger brothers, Thaddias and Nik, who joined the family in 2000. Shania formed close bonds with cousins and made many friends throughout her school years and at various camps.

Despite the challenges she faced, Shania maintained connections with her biological family, enjoying visits with her mother Cheryl and sisters Janelle, Shantel, and Charlotte and grandparents Martin & Elizabeth Vielle. As an adult, she was fiercely independent. The impact of intergenerational trauma was a struggle for her, but she always found solace in the love of the Vonkeman & Stronks family. In her relationship with Burton, she found a partner who endeavored to support her through difficult times. In the months leading to her passing, Shania was rediscovering her joyful self.

Shania is predeceased by her mother Cheryl, sister Charlotte, and beloved grandparents from both the Vonkeman and Stronks families, as well as past partner Brayden.

A huge thank you to the ICU staff who worked tirelessly in trying to heal Shania. Words can’t express our thanks enough to Larissa and Sonya for staying by Shania’s bedside in ICU. Lastly, a huge thank you to all who visited and supported Shania throughout her hospital stay.

A Wake Service to honor Shania’s memory will be held from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Friday, March 28, 2025, at GLADSTONE HALL, Kainai Reserve, Alberta, with Jack Curly Rider, officiating.

Interment will follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Standoff, Alberta.

We will forever carry Shania's spirit in our hearts, remembering her warmth, kindness, and the joy she brought into our lives.