1929 – 2023
Mrs. Louise Mae West of Sundre Alberta, passed away peacefully in St. Albert, AB on 23 Nov 2023 at the age of 94 years.
Louise was born in Stavely, AB in 1929, and was raised in that area. Louise was married to Nick West in 1946. In 1950 the West family, with two sons, moved to the Bearberry country, north of the James River. In this area they set up a cattle ranching operation, moving later to the Sun-berry Valley area, closer to Sundre.
Louise performed many homesteading tasks in those early days, home schooling her children, training horses, milking a cow and managing the affairs of the ranch. She enjoyed participating in rodeo events, such as barrel racing. At the time of her passing Louise leaves a legacy of her two sons Jay and his wife Darlene and Gerry and his wife Krys, seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.
Louise certainly will have left a lasting impression on the many students who travelled on her school bus which she drove for many years. Louise was also an accomplished musician, travelling and performing with the Sundre Sundowners, in many venues in central Alberta.
One of our great Alberta pioneering women, she will be loved and remembered by the many people who knew her, for her strength and courage, her humble demeanour, and many talents such as homemaking, sewing clothing for her family, knitting and crochet, baking the best cinnamon rolls, growing a vegetable garden and canning, caring for the ranch animals, and as a dedicated horse woman. She delighted in being a Grandmother and loved spending time with her extended family.
May there be long and happy trails in heaven, just like your beloved Panther River and Sheep Creek Trails. May you be comfortably saddled up on your favourite horse and riding hand in hand with Dad in the most beautiful sunset for eternity. Until we see you again may you rejoice in heaven with Our Heavenly Father and Saviour Lord Jesus Christ.
A memorial service will be held at the Sundre Lutheran church on December 9th at 3:00pm for any who wish to attend.
