Obituary of Ethel Carpenter

B I O G R A P H Y CARPENTER: Ethel Beatrice Carpenter passed away in the Islay Health Centre, Islay, Alberta on Sunday, January 1, 2006 at the age of 90 years. Ethel Beatrice Smith, the eldest daughter of Sidney and Beatrice Smith, was born on the family farm near Marwayne on January 1, 1916. Her father often told the story of how it was 40 below that day and snowing when he made the trip to Kitscoty to get the doctor. On the way back to the farm the weather turned so bad that they had to rely on the horses knowledge of the way home and by the time they arrived Ethel had already made her way into the world so it was back to Kitscoty to return the doctor. Five years later her youngest sister Muriel was born. As young children she and Muriel spent countless hours together walking along the coulee banks on the farm in search of buffalo skulls and they loved the arrival of the Eatons catalogue. They spent hours pouring over the pages dreaming of the future and what their lives would be like when they became adults. Ethel attended Stratton School 3 ½ miles from her house and made the daily trip by foot or by the horse that she and Muriel shared. She had a strong work ethic and often helped out the neighboring family while still attending school. While working for the neighbors, Mr. & Mrs. Crest, Ethel met a young man named William Carpenter who was at the Crest farm cutting a load of wood and the courtship began. She and William married in 1936 and their union was blessed with three children; Marie, Elaine and Byron. Ethel and Bill farmed on the family farm until 1969 when they made the moved into Marwayne. Ethel enjoyed being a member of various community groups and she faithfully attended church on Sunday. The family remembers Ethel as a kind, considerate, happy person whose face would light up each and every time someone would stop by to visit. As the family grew she enjoyed attending school events, graduations, weddings, and she welcomed the arrival of the great grandchildren. Ethel had a quiet, gentle nature and was happy with life's simplest pleasures. She was a meticulous housekeeper and gardener and she took pride in growing various flowers in her yard. In 1998 Ethel moved to the Islay Health Care Center where she remained until her passing. Though Alzheimer's eventually took away the majority of her memory her gentle spirit and her love for music remained. She could often be found singing or humming one of her favorite hymns. It never ceased to amaze everyone how she could remember the words to so many songs. Music brought a smile to her face and she thoroughly enjoyed when all the various groups came to the Health Center to perform. Ethel Beatrice Carpenter is survived by: her children Marie Alward of Lloydminster; Elaine Timanson and her husband Lorne of Dewberry; Byron Carpenter and his wife Sandra of Cold Lake; eight grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter; her extended family: six step great grandchildren and five step great great grandchildren; her sister Muriel of San Marcos, California; her brother-in-law Raymond Carpenter and his wife Frances and daughter Carolyn of Golden, British Columbia. Ethel was predeceased by her husband William in 1992, an infant son in 1939 and her son-in-law Dennis in 1974. The funeral service for Ethel was conducted from the Marwayne United Church on Thursday, January 5, 2006 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Bob Aldrich officiating. The hymn sung was “The Old Rugged Cross,” accompanied on the organ by Jean Bowman. The Mennonite Church Choir sang “Amazing Grace,” and “What A Friend We Have In Jesus.” Honorary pallbearers were the Islay Health Care Staff. Active pallbearers were Grandchildren: Wade Carpenter, Darrell Alward, Keith Alward, Larry Alward, Cathy Alward, Glenn Alward, Cindy Maynes and Trevor Timanson. Interment followed in the Marwayne Cemetery. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster administered the funeral arrangements. Card of Thanks The family of Ethel Carpenter would like to thank Reverend Bob Aldrich for the comforting words and for giving the eulogy, to Jean Bowman for the music, to the Mennonite Singers. Thanks to the grandchildren for being the active pallbearers and the Islay Health Center Staff acting as honorary pallbearers. To the UCW for the lovely lunch. To all who attended the service, sent cards, flowers, phone calls and donations. A very heartfelt thank you to all the Islay Health Center Staff for their kindness and loving care given to our mother over the past eight years. Thanks to Dale and staff of McCaw Funeral Service for their professional care and kindness shown to the family. In lieu of thank you cards the family will be making a donation to Islay Health Center. Donations in memory of Ethel may be made to the Islay Health Center or Charity of the Donor's Choice.