LILLIAN HUTTON of Fort Macleod passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at the age of 88 years.

It is with sadness and yet quiet relief that we accept the passing of our mother Lillian Emma Hutton, (Wonnenberg) on Saturday, Dec, 10, 2011, at the age of 88. A testament to her spirit is how Mom was able to maintain her dignity and cheerful nature despite a difficult struggle the last few years with failing health and Alzheimer's disease.

Mom was born June 11, 1923 in Bessarabia to Robert Sr. and Frieda Wonnenberg, the second of four children. In 1929 the family immigrated to Canada settling on a farm just north of Burstall, Sask., a largely German-speaking community. Mom used to tell of walking or riding the horses two miles to school. At age 16 Mom left home to Medicine Hat where she worked as a housekeeper for a time and also the glass factory in Redcliff. In June 1945 mom married Emil Heller of Wisdom, south of Medicine Hat. They loved to attend dances and socialize around a picnic or game of cards. Together they settled in the Hat at 1018 Balmoral Street and began raising their three children, Darryl, Sandra and Stan.

A farmer and trucker at heart, Dad decided in 1958 to try working for someone else, taking the family to Bow Island to pursue the occupation of ditch-rider. The three years spent in the ditch-rider house and farm eight miles south of Bow Island were some of the best times for us children. The image of Mom with upraised hoe chasing away an angry skunk after he already sprayed us is etched in our minds. In 1961 Dad once again chose to go into the trucking business for himself, taking the family to new adventures in Fort Macleod. This would be Mom's home for the next 48 years. In the early years in Macleod Mom worked for a time as a waitress at the old Ranch House Restaurant and then for quite a few years at Crestbrook Forest Industries, all the while maintaining a spotless and comfortable home.

A few years after Dad's passing in 1973, Mom married another widower, Bill Hutton of Fort Macleod. Together Lil and Bill shared their love of dancing and travel, going by motor home on many excursions throughout western Canada and the States, never failing to drop in on family and friends along the way. Lil was predeceased by Bill in 1998.

When the grandchildren came along, Mom delighted in playing games, colouring Easter eggs and planning the special occasion family meals. Mom was for many years a faithful member of the Trinity United Church, the Royal Canadian Legion and the Order of the Royal Purple. More recently, Mom enjoyed living at the Macleod Pioneer Lodge with long-time friends and fellow crib players Ruby Davey and Lloyd Pinder. Her home the last two years was at St. Michael's Health Centre in Lethbridge.

Left with her memory are her children Darryl (Pam) of Fort Macleod and grandchildren Jennifer (Robert) and Jason (Sheena); Sandra (Bob Price) of Blairmore and grandchildren Danny (Shelley) and Ryan; and Stan (Corrie) of Lethbridge and grandchildren Jamin and Jalyce. Her great grandchildren are Jace and Cheyenne Lee, Brady and Sydney Price and Jeah Heller. She will also be remembered by Bill's children John, Judy (Jim Asuchak), Jerry (Norma), and Debbie (Doug Pinder) and their children.

Lil is also survived by her sister Hilda, formerly of Leader, Sask., now residing in Swift Current. She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers Bill and Bob.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, December 17, 2011 at the TRINITY UNITED CHURCH, 220 - 20 Street, Fort Macleod, with Reverend Eras Vanzyl officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Macleod Pioneer Lodge, 660 - 28 Street, Fort Macleod, AB T1L 0Z0.