Mrs. Margaret Eleanor “Ella” Hayes (Nee:Robinson), beloved wife of the late Stewart Hayes of Arrowwood, died peacefully at Vulcan General Hospital on September 3, 1991 at the age of 79 years.
Ella was born at Gleichen on Oct. 24, 1911, the daughter of Jack and Fanny Robinson. She received her schooling at Gleichen and Crescent Heights High School, Calgary, and after attending Calgary Normal School taught in a one room school east of Hussar. She and Stewart were married November 18, 1934 in Gleichen. They moved to the farm east of Arrowwood in March 1935 and had resided there ever since, except for a period of five years when they lived in Calgary.
Ella was pianist and later organist for many years in the United Church and assisted with the choir as well as being an active member of the Arrowwood U.C.W. She was instrumental in promoting Girl Guides and Brownies in the early l950’s, serving as Lt. and Captain of the 1st Arrowwood Company. She enjoyed several annual Guide camps with the Arrowwood and Vulcan girls, and served as Commissioner for the Bow & Arrow Division from 1962 to 1968.
Ella was a founding member of the Arrowwood Booster Club. She also helped to develop the local library as well as serving on its Board of Directors, and was a devoted member of the Arrowwood Mossleigh Historical Society. Over the years she enjoyed helping to compile three local history books, The Gleichen Call, The Arrowwood Story and Furrows of Time. Ella was granted life membership int both the Gleichen Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the Arrowwood U.C.W.
Music and art were a big part of Ella’s life. In early years she was piano accompanist for silent movies, played saxophone in the Arrowwood Royals dance band and taught piano lessons to several students in the neighbourhood. In her later years she developed her talent for art and has completed
many oil paintings and sketches which are cherished by the family. Much of this was accomplished during the many winters she and Stewart enjoyed at their heme in Apache Junction, Arizona.
During the summers there were many opportunities for camping with family and friends where she particularly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Ella is survived by one son Ronald Hayes of Calgary, three daughters, Lois Leadbeater of Shouldice, Carolyn (Duane) Binning of Standard and Susan (Marven) Schalin of Arrowwood, ten grandchildren: Brian, Roy and Glenn Leadbeater, Laurie (Sheldon) Watt, Norma (David) Deisman, Joan and
Debra Binning, and Kevin, Grant and Roxane Schalin; four great grandchldren: Kristine, John and Jeffrey Deisman and Tanner Watt, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Besides her husband Stewart, Ella was predeceased by a sister Auley Kilcup in 1986, a brother Jack Robinson on D-Day in 1944, a son-in-law Walter Leadbeater in 1984 and a grandson Dennis Binning in 1972.
Funeral services were held at the Arrowwood Community Centre at 10:30 am Saturday, Sept. 7 with Rev. Don Holmes officiating. Interment followed at the Arrowwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers were Brian Leadbeater, Roy Leadbeater, Glenn Leadbeater, Kevin Schalin, Grant Schalin, Sheldon Watt and David Deisman.
If friends so desire, donations can be made to the Arrowwood Lions Club Memorial Fund or the Alberta Cancer Foudation 1551, 29 St. N.W., Calgary T2N 9Z9.
Funeral arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. 403-485-2633.