Lois Leslie Branton

With sadness we share the peaceful passing of Lois Leslie Branton on Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at the age of 92. She is survived by her sons, Ted and Larry; daughter, Theresa; their spouses and her grandchildren. Her life will be celebrated at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, December 19, 2022 at New Life Church, 5203-54 Avenue, Thorsby, AB with Rev. Glen McBride presiding.

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In May 1922, lured by CPR agents, Jim and Alice Callaway left Montana. Jim brought belongings and cattle by rail while Alice with daughters Thelma, Shirley and Jean drove a Model T to Leduc. An abandoned building without doors or windows sheltered them from a June snow. Another primitive shelter was home until the proper house was built in 1932. Family additions included Jim (chosen) and Lois in 1930. Years of struggle brought them to their goal: 100 acres in cultivation. Jim and sister-in-law Maud Callaway (Jim’s brother P.B. had followed in 1923) were champions of culture - organizing a literary society and programs of plays, recitations, debates, songs and such at the local schoolhouse – happy times shared with what niece Edith later described as “wonderfully kind neighbors”. The Callaway family was educated at the Dneister school except for Lois who spent time at the Three Hills Bible School for her 9th year.