May 31, 1941 - July 7, 2021
Mrs. Gail Joan Kenworthy passed away at the Red Deer Hospice, Red Deer, Alberta on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at the age of 80 years.
Gail was born in Elnora, Alberta on May 31, 1941, to Fred and Nell Schmierer. She came to Carbon, Alberta at the age of four, in the spring of 1946, with her parents; where her dad, newly discharged from the Army, had taken a job barbering at the Carbon Pool Hall. Gail completed her education in Carbon, graduating in 1959. During High School, she worked Saturdays and summer vacations at the Post Office. While in High School, she met the love of her life, Jim Kenworthy. Jim made quite the impression on Gail by burning around Carbon in his 1949 Meteor. Eventually he convinced her to take a ride with him in that notorious car and they married on December 15, 1959.
Jim and Gail lived in Rockyford, Alberta. Here, their three girls were born, Jacqueline, Carmen and Kathy. In 1968, they started Kenworthy Motors. Gail managed the books and ran a successful company, all while raising the family. Gail was an integral part of starting the Rockyford Figure Skating Club, and she audited books for various clubs in the community, which kept her busy when the kids were at home. She also had quite the flair for decorating and the Kenworthy Motors Rodeo parade floats were always amazing.
In 1995, Gail and Jim sold the business and moved to a beautiful acreage near Innisfail, but not to retire! Instead they started a new business, ‘Country Lane Classics’. Gail enjoyed many hours of gardening and socializing with her new friends and neighbors. Gail also loved going on classic car cruises with Jim and his friends, along with their wives.
Gail will be lovingly remembered by her children, Jacqueline (Robert), Carmen (Andy) and Kathleen. She will also be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Ronnie Koester (Laura), Darcy Koester (Megan), Julie Wallace (Grant), Jayden Wiancko (Jessie), Tanis Wiancko, Holly Hilsabeck (Matt) and Alyssa Richardson. She was also great grandma to Dusty Koester, Ava and Isaac Koester and Tessa and Kate Wallace.
Gail was predeceased by her husband, Jim Kenworthy, her parents, Fred and Nell Schmierer, her sister, Margaret Hughes and her brothers-in-law, Fred Higgenbottom and Dude Hughes.
A Public Graveside Memorial Service will be held at the Rockyford Union Cemetery, Rockyford, Alberta on Thursday, July 15, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. Following the Graveside Service, please join the family for refreshments at the Rockyford Community Centre. If desired, Memorial Donations in Gail’s honor may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society at www.cancer.ca or 55 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario, M4V 2Y7 or to the Red Deer Hospice Society at www.reddeerhospice.com or 99 Arnot Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta, T4R 3S6. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd. 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006 Fax: 403.227.6437
