WITBECK, Ellen

WITBECK (Ralph), Ellen Marie, April 15, 1928 – February 18, 2026 passed away peacefully in Raymond, Alberta, just two months short of being 98 years. It is with great sadness and much love that we say goodbye to our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Marie was born in Raymond, Alberta on April 15, 1928 to Fred and Clatie (Lund) Ralph with the following siblings; Jack Ralph, Laray Ralph and Arlene Bartosek. Marie enjoyed farm life and learned how to cook and bake at a very young age feeding family, friends, farmhands and many guests and used those skills throughout her life.
Marie was nominated the high school Queen as she was a real beauty and were told over the years ” a real knockout.” On November 4, 1946 she married her sweetheart, Jerry Witbeck and they added two daughters, Laurelynn & Loris and completed their family with a son, LeRay. The family was raised in southern Alberta, living in Raymond, Milk River, Coutts, Cardston, Warner, Lethbridge and finally returning to Raymond in 1981.
Mom was a great homemaker and enjoyed cooking, baking, canning, sewing, quilting, and creating a very fun and loving home for family and all who entered, who never left without being fed.
Marie loved her family and made very strong friendships during her life. She was very proud of her Ralph and Lund heritage and always enjoyed the many family reunions. Family was important to her and she was proud of all their many accomplishments and loved to hear and visit with all family members.
Marie enjoyed her many camping trips to Beaver Mines and Police Lake with Dad and looked forward to frying up the fish for their meals. She enjoyed the beauty, smells and all of the Lords’ outdoor creations and spending time together.
Marie loved serving her family, her friends and her neighbors and was always willing to take over some baked goods. She loved making homemade chocolates, and her and a couple of very close friends made dozens and supposedly ate a FEW!
In April 2005 Marie married Clayton Soice, as both were widowed. They enjoyed one another’s company, playing cards, visiting with family and friends, attending Tim Hortons and the Burger King specials. Due to aging and some health issues Marie moved into the Raymond Lodge for more assistance and being closer to family.
Marie loved being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and serving the Lord in various callings. She especially enjoyed visiting teaching (now ministering).
Marie Is survived by her children, Loris (Jim) and LeRay (Nancy); grandchildren, Dellyn (Leonard), Shawn (Jenn) -Darla (Chay), Derry (Marina), James, Deon, Lorissa, Michael, Scott (Jodi) and 21 great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by husbands Jerry & Clayton, daughter- Laurelynn, daughter-in-laws Denise & Debra and grandson – Deon.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and care staff at the Raymond Good Samaritans for all of their assistance – thank you.
A private family Interment will be held at Temple Hill Cemetery prior to the Celebration of Life.
A service in memory of Marie Witbeck will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 2:00PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Knight Street Chapel 260E 200N ( West of the Raymond Hospital, on HWY 52) Raymond, AB.
To send condolences, please visit www.generationsfh.ca