Obituary of Ellen Willard

Obituary for Ellen Willard (1916 - 2004) Ellen Oline Willard passed away in the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre, Lloydminster, Alberta on Thursday, November 4, 2004 at the age of 88 years. Ellen was born August 17, 1916 in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. She was the forth of ten children born to Ole and Mary Oddan. She grew up on the farm in Southern Saskatchewan near Hatton, where she attended school. In 1937, Ellen moved with the Oddan family to Marshall, Saskatchewan. On December 29, 1940 Ellen married Jim Willard. They had three children, Jim, Judy and Ted. Jim and Ellen farmed in the Lloydminster area and eventually moved into town. Ken Kay boarded with the Willards for five years and was welcomed, not only into their home but their family. Ellen was a diligent daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. A hard worker, she kept busy sewing, cooking, and baking. She and Jim were well unknown in the horse industry and belonged to the Lloydminster Riding Club for many years. As her memory failed her, Ellen still told stories about riding her favourite horse. Ellen’s family remained close through the years. Visits with sisters, brothers, children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews were always a significant part of how Ellen spent her time. Left to mourn Ellen are her daughter-in-law Anne Willard of Lloydminster; grandchildren: Shawna Willard-Thieseen, Mike Willard, and Dave Willard, all of Lloydminster, Mitch Metrunec of New Sarepta, Alberta, Rhonda Morey of Two Hills, Alberta and Tracy Curle of Ottawa, Ontario; great grandchildren Nikki, Josh, Jill, Lee, Rae, Noah, Abby, Julie and Allyson; five sisters: Alma Maves of Lloydminster, Shirley and her husband Jim Reynolds of Lloydminster, Rhoda and her husband Lorne Phipps of Marshall, Frances and her husband Reid McDougall of Marshall, and Thora and her husband Bill Burgess of St. Albert; one brother Glen Oddan and his wife Muriel of Lloydminster; sisters-in-law: Goldie Oddan, Agnes Oddan, Evelyn Willard and Adrie McRae and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Ellen was predeceased by her parents Ole and Mary Oddan, husband Jim Willard, sons Jim and Ted Willard, daughter Judy Metrunec, and brothers Harold, John and Vick Oddan. The funeral service for Ellen was conducted from The First Lutheran Church, Lloydminster on Monday, November 8, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Nolan Astley officiating. The eulogy was given by Tracy Curle. Hymns sung were”Just As I Am”, “Jesus Love Me,” and “Amazing Grace” accompanied on the organ by Brenda Findlay. Pallbearers were her grandchildren: Mitch Metrunec, Rhonda Morey, Shawna Willard-Thiessen, Tracy Curle, Mike Willard, and Dave Willard. Interment followed in the Lloydminster City Cemetery. Following the committal service, a light luncheon was served in the church basement by the Ladies of First Lutheran Church. Donations in memory of Ellen may be made to The Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre- South Wing. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd. of Lloydminster administered the funeral arrangements. Card of Thanks The families wish to thank Dr. Chan for his many years of kindness, dedication and patience with his care of Ellen and also to all the staff at the Dr. Cooke Extended Care for the years of patience , guidance, understanding, caring and compassion that you have shown to Ellen and her family. We would like to thank PASTOR Nolan Astley for the visits over the years to Ellen and also for the beautiful service. Brenda Finlay for playing the organ and to the Lutheran Ladies for the wonderful lunch they provided. Thanks to Ken and Jean Kay for all the help with Ellen over the years and for helping the grandchildren with the eulogy. Special thanks to the grandchildren for being the pallbearers and also for all the help and to Angie Johns for the scrap booking of Ellens memoirs. Special thanks to the families and friends who sent flowers and food to the house and also for the cards and donations to charities. Last but not least to Glenn, Dave and Linda McCaw for all the help, advice and for organizing the service. Anne Willard Daryl and Shawna Thiessen Nikki and Josh Mike Willard and Angela Johns and Allyson David and Jen Willard and Julie Mitchell and Sherry Metrunec and Jill, Lee and Rae Ryan and Rhonda Morey Clint and Tracy Curle and Noah and Abby