Mrs Alice Betty Elizabeth Blakely

Betty died peacefully at Lumsden & District Heritage Home after a long and rich life among people who loved and cared for her. She was predeceased by her three beloved husbands Crawford Read, Gillis Blakley, and Earl Blakely; parents Arthur and Mildred Abbott; brothers Vernon and John Abbott; sisters Anne Cote, Elsie Bargy; stepsons Keith Blakley and Doug Blakely; and many dear friends. She is survived by sister Florence Ashdown; daughters Patricia Kelln, Sharon (Lorne) Dunsmore, Rhonda (Dale) Ulmer, Debbie (Melvin) Wolf, Diane Blakley, Heather Pankratz, Sandra Blakely; sixteen grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, and ten great-great-grandchildren in whom she delighted; and a large number of extended family members and friends. Betty was born on a farm in the Bethune area. Once married, she lived on the farm with Crawford and their four girls. Following Crawford’s death, Betty moved to town with Rhonda and Debbie, and worked at the local Co-op. Her subsequent marriages to Gillis and then to Earl expanded and enriched the lives of each of our families. Mom was an active member of various community organizations including Two Rivers Auxiliary, Gillis Blakley Museum, Bethune UCW, Vanceborough Sunshine Club, Bethune 50+ Club, and the Bethune Cemetery board. She adored visits with friends, hearing stories and memories of the old days and of life on the farm, Christmas Eve family gatherings, photographs of babies, updates on grandchildren of all ages, and Blue Jays baseball. Betty bravely dealt with the onset of M.S. in her thirties, but maintained her ability to live actively well into her eighties; a remarkable feat. Thanks to a wholly supportive care team, Betty was able to participate in a fulfilling and varied recreation program, both within and outside her adopted home until the last two weeks. Mom looked forward to each tasty meal, and even when her food had to be pureed she was genuinely appreciative. A gentle soul, Betty was well liked by both residents and staff. A Memorial Service officiated by granddaughter Pastor Carla Blakley will take place at Bethune Community Hall at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 3rd, 2016. In lieu of flowers, donations to Lumsden & District Heritage Home, Box 479, Lumsden, SK S0G 3C0, the Gillis Blakley Museum, Bethune, SK S0G 0H0, or to a charity of choice would be appreciated.