It is with much sadness that the family of Mary Herbers announce her passing on Thursday, March 24, 2011.
Mary, daughter of William and Julia Ratke, was born on a farm in Biggar, Saskatchewan on March 11, 1920. She came from a family of 10 children. Mary and Bert were married in 1943 and moved to Lethbridge, where she lived until her passing. She was a loving mother and homemaker, and was always supportive of her children and grandchildren. She loved watching and cheering them on at football, basketball, soccer, hockey, ringette games or motorcycle races. She was the most loyal fan of “Bert’s Maple Leaf hockey team” . She had a special place in her heart for any and all animals. In her later years, after Berts’ passing, Mary became very involved as a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2100 Ladies Auxiliary for over 20 years. She was very proud of the two awards she was honoured with from the Eagles: Mother of the Year in 2001 and Mrs. Eagle in 2002. While she was able, she enjoyed helping cook and serve at Eagle’s functions. Mary enjoyed bowling with Senior’s morning leagues. Mom loved playing cards with anyone who wanted a quick game of “bus stop” (31), or crib, and of course rummy. She looked forward to taking part in weekend crib tournaments with various partners. Mary was a long time member of St. Basil’s Church. Mary was predeceased by her husband Hubert “Bert” in 1979 and her son Douglas in 2003. She will be missed by her loving family: Shirley (David) Morihira of Calgary, Duane (Linda) Herbers and Daryl (Wendy Rose) Herbers of Lethbridge, and Wendy Lynn Herbers of Red Deer. She also leaves 8 loving grandchildren: Todd Walker (Angela McMurren) and Scott Walker of Lethbridge, Geoffrey (Rebecca) Morihira and Kevin (Shaina) Morihira of Calgary, Kurt Herbers (Keri Wells), Lyndsay Herbers, Ashley and Shaina Herbers of Lethbridge. Mary was also the proud great grandmother to Ty, Cody, and Preston Walker of Lethbridge and Sydney, Kyle and Ryan Morihira of Calgary. She is survived by 4 siblings: Edna Leffler of Jansen, SK, Alice Gier of Okotoks, AB, Ernie Ratke of Yorkton, SK and Linda Paetsch of Jansen, SK and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. There are no words to express our sorrow and how deeply we will miss this wonderful lady. Our memories of Mom will keep us strong. The family would like to extend their thanks and gratitude to the very caring staff at St. Michaels Health Centre (PARP) and to Angie and Brenda of Lethbridge Family Services. A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Monday, March 28, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. with Sharon Hagel, officiating. A Memorial Service will be held at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604-13 Street North, Lethbridge, on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Tim Boyle, Officiating. Inurnment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. In memory of Mary and in lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 105-75 Macleod Trail S.E., Calgary, AB, T2H 0L9. Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca