Florence Pearl Arthurs

Florence Pearl Arthurs

May 07, 1941 – April 19, 2021

With deep and sincere sorrow, the family of Florence (Flo) Pearl Arthurs announces her passing at the Red Deer Regional Hospital in the early morning hours of Monday, April 19, 2021 at the age of 79 years.

She will be lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Brenda Thompson, Colleen Arthurs, and Tracy (Steven) Tusz. Also mourning her loss are grand-daughters, Breanna (Jason) Robertson, Laura (Matthew) Pauly, Hailey Drake (Joel Cressey), Ashley Tusz and grandson Lyle Tusz. Flo was also blessed with four great grandchildren, Keira Robertson, Lincoln Robertson, Liam Cressey and Quinn Pauly, all of whom will dearly miss their Nana.

Flo will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by brother, Don (Helena) Balisky; sisters, Deloris Doerksen, Sheila (Eldon) Friesen, Joan (Ed) Wiebe; as well as their children, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends.

She was predeceased by beloved husband and soulmate, William James (Jim) Arthurs; an infant son, Troy; parents, Bill and Mary Balisky; in-laws, Fred and Ellena Arthurs; grandson, Colton Drake; brother-in-law, Erv Doerksen; and brother, Rev Gordon Balisky.

Florence was born to William (Bill) and Mary Balisky at the Fairview Hospital in Fairview, Alberta on May 07, 1941. She was raised in the Highland Park District where she attended Highland Creek School from grades 1 to 3. When her parents chose to leave their general store and blacksmithing enterprise in Highland Park and move their family to the town of Fairview, Florence would continue her formative schooling there culminating with completion at Fairview High School.

On choosing nursing as her profession, Flo competed her training at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton. She worked at many different hospitals in Grande Prairie, Edson and Wainwiright.

When Flo met Jim Arthurs, who was working in the oil industry, love flourished and they were married at the United Church in Fairview on July 13, 1963. After a few moves around Alberta the young couple settled in Red Deer where they raised three girls; Brenda, Colleen and Tracy. With the oil industry thriving, together Jim and Flo started a company, Arthurs Light Oilfield Hauling Ltd. Flo was a book keeper, payroll officer and receptionist for the company for many years, all the while maintaining the household, gardening, and raising the girls.

Always creative since her formative years, Flo developed culinary skills that were enjoyed by anyone blessed to be hosted at her table, and there were many family, relatives and friends that were just that. Her creativity extended into her arts and crafts and she developed a small business , Krafty Kritter Kreations, which was yet a further outlet for her skills. Husband Jim as ever supportive, as was Flo of him in his endeavours.

Flo and Jim also found time to participate in sports and travel. They were members of church bowling leagues for many years, they also enjoyed golfing together, as well as attending Red Deer Rustlers hockey games as avid supporters. Always involved and present in the various pursuits and interests of their children and grand children as well.

After Jim’s untimely passing in 2014, Flo filled her time continuing with her crafts, floral arranging, cake decorating, baking, she also enjoyed painting , creating greeting cards, and crocheting as well as visiting with her grand children and great-grandchildren.

We take comfort in knowing that Flo is now at peace, trusting her love of her saviour to reunite her with her loving husband, family and friends who have passed before her and await her arrival.

Due to restrictions currently in place during the pandemic, only the immediate family will attend a private internment ceremony.  

We know that Flo supported many worthy causes, we ask that any donations you wish to make in her memory be made to the charity of your choice, with appreciation.

A Celebration of Life for Florence Arthurs will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the CrossRoads Church, 38105 Range Road 275, Red Deer County. For those unable to attend in person here is the Virtual Link. The link will be accessible 10 minutes prior to the Service. HERE