Elizabeth Lena Raher was born on Oct. 31, 1930 to Theresa (Klein) and George Ray, who farmed north of Castor.
Elizabeth was the second child and only daughter.
Her brothers were George Ray Jr. (Jessica), Arnold Ray (Diane), Donald Ray (Primrose) and infant brother Michael Ray.
As the only girl growing up on the farm, she had many chores to do, from stacking firewood to working in the huge garden.
Elizabeth and her brothers attended Lauderdale School five miles from the family farm.
She completed her education at Theresetta School.
Upon completion, she went to work as an overnight operator at the Alberta Government Telephone Company.
In 1950, Elizabeth met Harold Raher at a Saturday night dance. Elizabeth and Harold were married on Aug. 20, 1951.
After they were wed, Elizabeth worked at the Magnet Dry Goods and Shoe Store for many years.
She was a member of the Catholic Women’s League and Hospital Ladies Auxiliary for many years.
She enjoyed her morning coffee friends, card-playing ladies, birthday buddies, knitting club friends and floor curling teammates.
Elizabeth and Harold were “snowbirds” for 13 years, enjoying sunny winter days with friends.
Elizabeth took pride in her strawberry garden, sharing it with the family.
Her absolute favourite time of year though, was the traditional family camping trip every August long weekend since 1986.
She so enjoyed the family being together to fish, camp and just having fun together, and it is still happening to this day.
To their union they were blessed with six children: Wanda Raher; Clifford (Maureen) Raher, Kyle (Allison) and their children Ben and Lauren, Jenna Raher; Linda (David) Magnus, Ryan (Susan) and their children Luke and Nolan, Amanda Magnus; Ronald (Sheila) Raher; Gordon “Sam” (Valerie) Raher, Jay and his children Hailie and Alexa Raher, Steven (Leona) Raher and their children Hanna, Leah and Austin Raher, Kristi (Brandon) Banks and their children Cash and Kane; and MaryAnn (Lester) Weseen.
Elizabeth is predeceased by her parents George and Theresa Ray; husband Harold and all four brothers: George Jr., Arnold, Donald and infant brother Michael.
Elizabeth will be laid to rest beside the love of her life Harold for eternity.
Funeral ceremonies were held on Thurs., April 9, 2020 in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Cemetery, Castor, Alta. at 2 p.m. with Father Roger Niedzielski as Celebrant.
Memorial contributions may be made in Elizabeth’s memory to Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital Auxiliary.
Condolences and loving support may be sent directly to the Raher families by visiting www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com.
Parkview Funeral Chapels were entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. For further information, please call 403-882-3141.