November 25, 1939 - November 23, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma, Betty-Joan Rutherford of Elnora , Alberta, on Monday, November 23, 2020 at the age of 80 years.
Betty-Joan was born November 25th, 1939 at Innisfail. She is survived by her three daughters, Janet & Steve Pisko of Delburne, Susann Rutherford of Red Deer and Leslie & Kevin Raniseth of Delburne; 6 grandchildren, Craig (Mandi) Pisko & Travis (Jade) Pisko of Delburne, Baillie Rutherford of Red Deer and Kaylee, Kaden & Kalen Raniseth of Delburne and 2 Great Granddaughters Bryer & Raidyn Pisko of Delburne. She is also survived by her brother Jack & Judy McLaren of Bowden and many nieces and nephews. Betty-Joan will be sadly missed by her family and friends and forever remembered by all who loved and knew her. Betty-Joan was predeceased by her husband Bill and her parents, John & Eva McLaren.
Betty-Joan grew up on a farm east of Bowden and went to the Summit School for Grades 1 -9 , Grade 10 at Bowden School and rode the school bus to Red Deer for grades 11 & 12 and graduated from Lindsay Thurber Composite High School in 1 9 5 6 . She furthered her education to become a teacher at the University of Calgary. Her first job was at Oklahoma School west of Innisfail and later taught at Elnora School. While teaching in Elnora, she met Bill and they were married August 20th, 1960. They lived on the farm west of town and Elnora then became her home. Later on she worked part-time at the Elnora Post Office and in the Library at the school.
She did lots of community volunteering and was involved in many groups as her kids grew up, such as Home & School and 4 -H Public Speaking. But her main job was a farm wife and mom.
Betty-Joan was an avid reader. She liked history and enjoyed working on the committee for the Buried Treasure Volume II history book. Betty-Joan was known for her flapper pies and her kitchen table full of fresh donuts. The coffee pot was always on as she enjoyed her visits with family and friends. You could often find her watching volleyball, baseball o r a curling game especially if her family were playing. In later years she liked to cheer on the Flames, Stampeders and Blue Jays. She also enjoyed a good curling game and Family Feud on TV. Betty-Joan took interest in what her family was doing and always wanted to know what activities they were involved in. She was very proud of everyone in her family and we will all miss her very much.
Due to COVID, a private family graveside service will be held a t the Elnora Cemetery at a later date. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Elnora Cemetery, Box 565 , Elnora , Alberta T0M 0Y0 or the charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements are entrusted to Kneehill Funeral Services, Trochu, Alberta.
