Obituary of Betty Ann Ferris

On February 20, 2011 at the age of 67 years, our mother, grandmother and sister passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side. Betty was born to Gordon and Peggy Cook on April 1, 1943, the eldest of five daughters. Raised and schooled in Scollard and Big Valley area, Betty continued her education by attending Secretarial School in Hanna, AB where she met and married Robert Allan Ferris on October 15 1963. From this union five daughters were born, Brenda, Bonnie, Gail, Tammy and Bobbi-Jo. In 1978 Betty moved her and her girls to Calgary, AB, where she worked in customer service. In May of 1981 tragedy struck and Betty lost her daughter Bonnie in a car accident. Betty then moved the girls back to Stettler to be closer to family and friends. Betty spent many years volunteering several hours of her time to many charities, clubs, or any young child who needed funds for sports. She loved working Bingo but more than working it she loved hollering it. Betty was a member of the Royal Purple, Lions Club and Stettler Ag. Society. Betty loved her family and all the get- togethers we had. Her greatest love and pride was for her 11 grandchildren. She loved to watch them in their dance recitals, hockey games, and football games. The kids always had a fan in the stands. Another passion of hers was cheering on the Calgary Flames; it was not uncommon for her to be yelling at her TV giving the refs some much needed advice. In 1986 Betty met Kelly Marlatt and shared 18 years together until his passing in 2003. A few years later Betty moved to Big Valley and to Willow Creek Lodge where she was residing at the time of her passing. Predeceased by her daughter Bonnie and her parents Gordon and Peggy Cook, and Kelly Marlatt; she leaves to mourn her daughters and their families; Brenda (Gordon), Allan, Kelsey, Garrett Ochsner; Gail (Michael), Dana, Kyle (Paige Cassidy) Anderson, Tammy (Kevin), Kelton, Hallie, Jaden, Brady Turner, Bobbi–Jo Ferris, Kurtis, Tyler Weber; her 4 sisters, Jean (Dennis) Russell, Judy Gish, Mae (Al) Dore, Margret (Don) Callihoo, numerous nieces and nephews and friends. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, February 26, 2011 in the Heartland Chapel of the Stettler Funeral Home with Rev. Ross Helgeton officiating. Pallbearers were Betty’s grandsons Kurtis, Tyler, Kyle, Allan, Garrett, and Kelton. Honorary pallbearers were grandchildren Dana, Kelsey, Hallie, Jaden, Brady and All of Betty’s Family and Friends. Following the funeral service family and friends gathered together in the reception center of the Stettler Funeral Home for a time of sharing and fellowship. Should friends desire memorial contributions may be made in Betty’s memory to the Alberta Diabetes Foundation, Kidsport or to a charity of the donor’s choice.