Shirley Arlene Walker of Vulcan, Alberta passed away suddenly at Dillon, Montana Monday, March 3, 2003 at the age of 75 years.
Shirley was born July 16, 1927 at Youngstown, Alberta to Edward and Nelly (nee Lammedee) Rushfeldt. She attended Heinsburg School and later went to Camrose Lutheran College where she also did some substitute teaching. Shirley graduated from the Royal Alexandra Hospital nursing program in 1949 and this beautiful young woman began her nursing career at the Vulcan Municipal Hospital in 1950. That same summer she met her life partner, Donald Guy “Pat” Walker and they were married on July 6, 1951 at the Wesley United Church in Calgary. They began their 51 years of marriage in their “Little House on the Prairie”, nine miles east on the Lomond road and one and one half miles north. They rented land from Pat’s father, Ross, and Uncle Roy, for the first few years and eventually acquired their own land. When the fourth child came along, they built a new spacious home in 1960 to accommodate the growing family. They remained on the farm until August of 1984 when they moved into the town of Vulcan, but continued to remain active with their and other family member farming operations.
Shirley was a devoted wife, and a loving mother and grandmother. She loved spending time with her family and took an active interest in her children’s and each grandchild’s life, being very proud of their accomplishments. All through the year she looked forward to family events and celebrations which always included a lot of good food and visiting with every family member.
Shirley spent many hours pampering her variety of tea roses that she grew in her backyard garden. She loved her roses and the many flowers that she planted around her home on Memorial Avenue. Throughout her life, Shirley was a capable nurse at the local hospital as well as at the Extendicare. She was an excellent homemaker and cook, and enjoyed traveling, playing golf, bridge, bowling, sewing, needlework, painting, cross word puzzles, and listening to music.
Shirley was a dedicated member of the Vulcan United Church, held many positions in the Vulcan Golf Club, Ferrodale Chapter No. 65 Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the Iras Nile Club #4, and Vulcan Historical Society.
Shirley was a true lady who always looked her best, made her house her castle, and was proud of her community and Vulcan citizens. She had many wonderful friends and treated everyone she met with genuine respect, care and compassion and always thought of her family before herself. Shirley will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her.
Shirley is survived by her loving husband Pat of Vulcan, three daughters Pam (Len) Briemon of Whitehorse, Yukon, Patricia Walker of High River, Joanne (Ed) Kettenbach of Vulcan, a son Brad (Karen) Walker of High River, 10 grandchildren, Erin Briemon of Edmonton, Caitlen and Kyle Briemon of Whitehorse, Jesse, Bryce, and Reece Hubbard of High RIver, Donahue and Alexzandra (Muffy) Walker of High River, Adam and Coleman Kettenbach of Vulcan, three sisters Muriel (Sid) Holthe of Elk Point, Irene (Derald) Miller of Raymond, and Marjorie Kuziw of Edmonton, one brother-in-law Allan (Myrtle) Walker of Vulcan and two sister-in-laws, Dianne Walker of Okotoks and Lillian Rushfeldt of Victoria, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Shirley was predeceased by her parents, brother Elmer Rushfeldt, and brother-in-law Ralph Walker.
Funeral Service Saturday March 8, 2003 at Vulcan United Church at 2:00 P.M. with Lee Spice officiating.
Honorary bearers Kay McKay, Doreen Holm, Freda Jones, Thelma Starr, Nora Campbell, Hazel Munro, Elsie Price, Shirley Wolfe, Mary Haga and Edith Gottenberg.
Casket bearers Donahue Walker, Jesse Hubbard, Bryce Hubbard, Caitlen Briemon, Reece Hubbard and Kyle Briemon.
Cremation to follow.
In lieu of flowers tributes in Shirley’s memory could be made to the Vulcan United Church Box 275 Vulcan TOL 2BO.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.