Reta Winnifred Stoness

Reta Winnifred (Orr) Stoness, 88 years, of Trochu, Alberta, surrounded by her family, went home to be with Jesus & Bill on Thursday, April 26, 2018, at 3:30 pm.

Reta was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, February 11, 1930, to George Albert & Amy Elsie (Gunter) Orr.  Reta spent the first four years of her life in the Hillandale area and then her family moved to the Melfort district.  Reta and her brothers were very busy, with active imaginations!  Reta and her brother Lorne briefly attended Briercrest but did not care for the cold showers and the army barracks, so she completed her education at the Red Deer Nazarene College with a Business Certificate.  Here she managed to attract the attention of a good-looking young fellow, Willliam Stoness.  After graduation, Reta headed back to Melfort where she worked as a stenographer.  Bill missed his Reta, (he had been advised by his brother and sister in law – not to let that girl get away!) so much that he drove thru the night to ask for her hand in marriage.   They were married November 18, 1949, in Red Deer at her sister Florence Irvine’s home.  Reta was an amazing cook, immaculate housekeeper, and always hospitable. 

Reta is survived by one son, Elsworth Lester (Penny) Stoness, three daughters, Barbara Lorraine (Terry) McMillan, Joan Valerie (Elmo) Guynup, and Carolyn Lorna (Alan) Ritter.  15 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren.  One sister - Florence Bauer, and three brothers – Arnold, Lawrence (Robin), and Kenneth (Muriel).  Reta was predeceased by her brother Harold and her sister Ruby.     

Funeral services will be held 11 am, Friday, May 4, 2018, at the Olds First Baptist Church, Olds, Alberta.

Together in life, together for eternity.