1919 ~ STELTER ~ 2015

“forever in our hearts”

With saddened hearts, the family of Annie Stelter announce her passing on Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 at the age of 95 years. Left to cherish the memory of a dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother are her daughter, Darlene (Rody) Marshall and their sons, Rory (Laural) and children, Katelyn, Ryan and Madison, and Shane (Fotoula) Marshall and children, Nicholas, Anna and Olivia; her son, Jack (Peggy) and their children, Kyle (Melanie) and children Nicholas and Markus, Tyson (Lorrie) and children Tryton, Taytem, Shyla, and Tavin, and Kristi (Craig) Sauter and children, Justis and Jarod; special nephew Marty (Peggy) and children Aaron and Mark, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Annie was predeceased by her husband, Johnnie Stelter; her parents, Nikolai and Charlotte Dalbak; her sister, Ingrid (Vic) Sturm; her mother and father-in-law, Rudolf and Christina Stelter; and numerous sister and brother in laws. Annie was born to Norwegian parents, Nikolai and Charlotte Dalbak on May 29th, 1919. She married Johnnie Stelter on a cold winter day on December 27th, 1944. Her love and devotion to her children, Darlene and Jack, was evident throughout her life. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. Annie pursued a teaching career in one-room schools with her last post at the Social Plains School walking to and from the Stelter farm to the little school house, stoking the fire and doing all the necessary requirements for a successful day at school. The door was always open in the Stelter home with friends welcomed with a cup of coffee and most often a fine meal at the table to follow. Annie loved to visit. There was music in the house as she was a piano player in an orchestra in the early years, for church, and, of course, “The Unmelodious Maids”, a delight to anniversary and birthday celebrations. In recognition of many years of faithful service at the organ in the Bindloss United Church, a lovely stained glass window was placed behind the organ alcove wall. Her appreciation of music was passed on to Darlene and Jack. Annie’s heart was in Bindloss where she was active in the community. She was recognized with the Governor General Award for volunteer service. A courageous woman was she — trundling down those gravel roads, rain or shine. Nothing stopped her from getting where she had to go, even if she was stuck and had to walk through the mud in her white high-heeled shoes or walking home at night because of a flat tire as the coyotes howled. No cell phones in those years! Annie enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, the love of nature, picking wild flowers – crocuses in the springtime, sunsets, bird watching, and walking through her grove of trees. She loved her solitude – reading, crosswords, playing solitaire by the hour, handiwork and Norway! Annie was always ready for a good game of cribbage, smear and bridge. She loved to dance, especially the old time waltz with Jack. In 2003, Annie moved to Chinook Village in Medicine Hat leaving behind 83 years of country life. Her heart was in Bindloss in her big old house in the Social Plains District. She spoke so highly of her last visit to Norway with Kyle as her co-pilot. In 2015, Annie resided at Sunnyside where she lived out her final days. We have so many fond memories to treasure in our hearts of one so dear. Her devotion to her family is the legacy she will pass on to future generations. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten. The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, on Monday, April 20th, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. Shane Andrus officiating. Memorial gifts in Annie’s memory may be made to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, #124, 430 – 6th Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 2S8, or to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Annie Stelter. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to

SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599