Monna Harriet Hornberger passed away peacefully June 24, 2007 surrounded by her loved ones.
Monna was born May 14, 1934 to Robert and Irma Middleton in Vulcan, Alberta. She was raised on the family farm south of Vulcan with her three brothers Jack, Barry and Blaine. She attended school in the Vulcan area.
Monna married Lorne Gillette on August 2, 1952. They had 5 children; Susan, Vickie, Robert, Spencer and Pattie. Monna raised the kids on her farm northeast of Vulcan. Monna married Dick Baxter and later Bud Hornberger.
Monna’s greatest joy in life was her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She used to take the seven older grandchildren ( the only ones at the time ) to her cabin at Siksika Nation. When her friends would ask her if she was crazy taking that many kids all at once, she would laugh and say, “ I ran it like a camp”. Everyone went to bed or got up at the same time. All the girls had long hair and it was braided the same, or in a pony tail. Everyone ate the same thing at the same time. Later the younger set of grandchildren were babysat by Grandma and the older grandchildren would come and stay in Vulcan with her and Grandpa Bud. Six more grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two more on the way, complete Monna’s treasurers. Master Logan helped make great grandma’s last few months easier with his comedian acts.
Monna was predeceased by her father Bob Middleton, mother Irma Wobick, husband Bud Hornberger, a brother Jack Middleton, son Spencer Gillette and a son-in-law Harry Matthews.
Monna is survived by her daughters Susan Mathews (Ron) of Winfield, Alberta, Vickie Nelson of Calgary and Pat (Michael) Massey of Vulcan, her son Robert (Kathy) Gillette of Vulcan, her many grandchildren and great grandchildren, two brothers Barry (Audrey) Middleton and Blaine (Lynn) Middleton, a sister-in-law Anne Middleton and their families.
A private family service was held Friday June 29, 2007 at 10 a.m. and a Reflection of Life Gathering for friends to share also on Friday at 2 p.m. with refreshments provided by the Ladies Auxiliary to the Vulcan Legion.
Inurement to follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Monna’s memory can be made to either the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #21, Box 175, Vulcan T0L 2B0 or the Canadian Diabetes Association 204, 2323 – 32 Avenue NE, Calgary T2E 6Z3
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.