VELMA HEEBNER

November 14, 1936 ~ March 15, 2020

Velma Ann Heebner passed away at St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat on Sunday, March 15, 2020, at the age of 83 years. She is survived by her beloved husband, Ira; children, Glenda (Myles) Fichter and Verla (Shaun) Henderson; son-in-law, Carmon Lindquist; nine grandchildren, Ceanna (Colin) Tajcnar, Kelsy (Ty) Wigemyr, Tess and Lais Lindquist, Lorin, Morgan and Shayna Fichter, Brenna and Connor Henderson as well as one great-grandchild, Major Tajcnar. Velma is also survived by two younger brothers, Ron (Linda) Engel and Wayne (Geri) Engel as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Theodore ‘Ted’ (Ena ‘Anna’) Engel and her oldest daughter, Debbie Lindquist. Velma was born in Gravelbourg, SK., on November 14, 1936, and raised on a farm four miles north of Woodrow, SK. She attended Woodrow Country School, then moved to Herbert, SK., to complete her Grade 12. She furthered her education at Teacher’s College in Moose Jaw, SK., and then moved to Glen Bain, SK., for her first teaching job where she met and married Ira Heebner. The wedding was held in a Woodrow country church in 1957. They farmed at Glen Bain for 45 years and raised three girls. She taught school for 9 years and was a lifelong music teacher in the community where she was involved in music festivals and later MYC (Music for Young Children). She used her talent to serve as church organist/pianist as well as playing piano for many weddings, funerals and other events including accompanying choirs. Velma had a wide variety of interests on the farm including baking, sewing and gardening. She was known for her homemade buns, bread and tins of cookies that she would generously give away to friends and neighbours. She treasured family and was very involved in her children and then grandchildren’s lives. She loved to spend time with them camping in their RV, hosting tea parties and attending many music, dance and sporting events. Velma was over-joyed to welcome her first great-grandchild on March 13, 2019, born to the eldest grandchild, Ceanna. After retirement in 2002, Velma and Ira moved to Medicine Hat where she cared for her father and enjoyed spending time with numerous other relatives. She cherished coffee times and Bible studies with many wonderful friends. Her deep faith and gracious spirit touched many lives as she encouraged and prayed for them. A Memorial Service is to be held at Hillcrest Church in Medicine Hat with the date to be announced in the coming months. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”