FLITTON, Wilma May 1916-2009

Wilma Flitton, devoted mother and wife, spunky grandmother and inspiring aunt and friend, passed away peacefully at Vulcan Community Health Centre Long Term Care on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 at the age of 93 years. She was born on December 12, 1916 in Archie Missouri to Mabel and William Ohler. Along with older siblings, Irene and Ivan, Wilma spent her childhood working on the family farm and going to the one-room Prairieville School. She received her grade 12 diploma by correspondence while working in Carmangay.

Wilma married Ray Flitton in 1941 and they had two children, Linda Gay and Gary. They purchased land west of the Alston Hall in 1946, where the Twin Valley Ranch thrives today. The family moved to Calgary in 1961 while keeping the farm in operation. In Calgary, Wilma opened a tap dancing school and later owned and operated two beauty salons in south Calgary. Ray’s sudden death in 1978 was a devastating blow to her, but she built a new life for herself and was beginning to enjoy retirement when she had a severe stroke in 1992. After thirteen years at the Beverly in Calgary, Wilma moved to Vulcan in 2006 to be closer to family.

Wilma is survived by her children, Linda (Paul) Kappus of Seattle, Gary (Bev) Flitton and grandchildren, Noel (Amy), Ryan (Jenna), Rheana Flitton, Richelle Flitton, Anthony (Dayna) Kappus , Deanna (Joshua) Clark, great grandchildren Jayden and Jace Flitton, and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and cousins.

Wilma was precedeased by her husband Ray, sister Irene Cutforth, brother Ivan Olher and her parents.

A Memorial Service and celebration of Wilma’s life was held on Monday, January 4, 2010 at the Champion Congregational Church officiated by Pastor David Skinner. Interment was at Archmount Cemetery in Lethbridge. The family wishes to thank the Ladies of the Congregational Church and the Alston Community for the lovely refreshments following the reception. Also, special appreciation goes to the staff at Vulcan Long Term Care for their loving care for Wilma these past several years.

Wilma was an inspiration to all who knew her. Her example of gracious acceptance, perseverance and joy in the midst of trials and a passion for life will forever be in our hearts. The cornerstones of Wilma’s life were faith and family and an attitude that lived out “Never, Ever Give Up!”

In lieu of flowers, tributes in Wilma’s memory can be made to either Vulcan Community Health Centre, Long Term Care, Box 299, Vulcan T0L 2B0 or Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta , NWT & Nunavut 100, 119-14 St. NW Calgary T2N 1Z6

Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. 403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca​