Mrs. Illa Rue Skeith of Lethbridge, formerly of New Dayton and beloved wife of the late Mr. Stewart Skeith, passed away at Fairmont Extendicare on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at the age of 94 years.

Illa was born on May 10, 1927 in Trochu, Alberta to Russell and Edna Rice. She spent her early school years in California, Torrington and Mount Royal and received a degree in commerce from the University of Alberta.

Illa married John Godefroid in 1952 and together they had 3 sons Rick, Ken and Gene. Sadly John passed away tragically in 1957 leaving Illa to raise their sons on her own. They moved back to Torrington, and finally on to Calgary where she met Stewart Skeith. They were married in 1960 and had 2 sons Greg and Jeff. They moved to the family farm in New Dayton where they raised their family until she moved to Lethbridge in 2008.

Illa was a firm believer in education and all five of her boys graduated from higher institutions as well as all of her grandchildren. She was a devoted member of the United Church for 50 years and very community minded, she served on several boards over the years. Illa loved to square dance and she also round danced for 20 years. Family was everything to Illa, they always came first. She babysat the grand kids at a drop of a dime and they spent their summers at the farm with her. Illa attended every christening, graduation, award ceremony, curling event,  documenting every event by photographs and journaling, she was also very active in her family history. She participated in running the farm until she was 85 years old. She loved watching curling while she crocheted, loved ice cream and was an incredible cook.

Illa is survived by her children Rick, Ken (Mary), Gene (Cathy), Greg (Teresa), Jeff (Amy); 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister Lola; brother Ron (Gwen) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Besides her first husband John Godefroid and her second husband Stewart Skeith, Illa was pre-deceased by her parents Russell and Edna Rice; brothers Ernie, Laurel; sisters-in-law Audrey, Phylis; daughters-in-law Joanne, Janet and great-grandchild Aurelia.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.