VERNA MADGE, beloved wife of Frank Madge, of Milk River passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at the age of 92 years.

Besides her loving husband, she is survived by her children: Larry (Chris) Madge of Milk River, Judy Madge of Calgary, and Marion (O’Brien Tarnasky) Madge of Elkwater. Her grandchildren: Lloyd (Erin) Madge, Linda (Stacey) Hunt, Carol (James) Burr, Dale Madge, and Mark Madge. Her great-grandchildren: Janessa and Jeremy Burr, Evan and Bryce Hunt, and Liam and Lauren Madge.

She is also survived by her sister: Liona Graham, Irene (Bill) Juravel, Geneva (Bill) Powell, and Ada (Erick) Nielsen. Her brother Lorn (Evelyn) Jenks. Her sisters and brothers-in-law: Beth (Bob) Hummel, Paul Madge, and Grace Snow.

She was predeceased by her sister: Sybil, Janora, and Donna, and her sister-in-law: Helen.

Verna, the oldest daughter of Vern and Mae Jenks, was raised on a farm in Del Bonita and she moved to Milk River in the 1930’s. She met Frank and they were married in 1940 in the family cottage at Waterton. The life of a farm wife is a challenging one. Verna spent many of years cooking meals for hired men, gardening and preserving, and cleaning house while raising her three children. Verna enjoyed being a member of the community through her bridge club, sewing club, bowling and curling teams, and volunteering in the library. Spring brought “bum” (orphan) lambs to feed and the fall included volunteering at the annual church supper. Frank and Verna moved into town from the farm in the 1980’s and Verna enjoyed playing scrabble and having tea with her neighbours. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very special to her and she always looked forward to their visits. Sharp witted to the end, her family and friends will miss her ready laugh and welcoming smile.

In keeping with Verna’s wishes, there will be no service. A date for the interment of her ashes in the Milk River Cemetery will be decided by the family at a future date.