Gail Ardith Schoff
1945 – 2023Gail Ardith (Rider) Schoff was born in Stettler in 1945. She passed away suddenly on Dec. 21, 2023.
Gail was raised on the farm near Boss Hill by Buffalo Lake, the second youngest of five children. Growing up on the farm, she helped with chores, acquiring a love of animals which could be seen throughout her life – from her activity in 4-H as a youth to feeding baby calves and filling her bird feeders in later years.
Gail started her school attendance by walking a mile to Skybo School. When it closed, she went to Up-To-Date School, then Donalda, and finished her schooling at Stettler High School. She went on to the University of Alberta for nursing aide training.
Her love of travelling started with a working vacation to New Zealand with one of her fellow nursing aides after graduation. She continued to camp and travel with her husband Ted when they had the opportunity.
Gail married Ted Schoff on March 9, 1968. They built a welcoming home together on their farm east of Bashaw. Many evenings were spent visiting and playing games with friends and family while raising their children.
She spent countless hours transporting and supporting her three children Trevor, Norine and April in extracurricular activities. In more recent years she became a loyal fan at many of her grandchildren’s sporting events, Christmas concerts, etc. Gail enjoyed curling for many years and was also an avid fan of watching it on TV.
Gail became good friends with the other women in the neighbourhood. She was an empathetic listener and the confidant of many. She loved and supported her community in many ways.
She was an accomplished sewer and crafter; she could make her kids’ clothes and construct a Christmas ornament on the same day.
Gail was an avid gardener. She put a lot of energy into raising and storing vegetables for the winter. She loved flowers and kept a large yard with several beautiful flower beds.
Gail was a kind, caring person who loved her family very much. She will be missed by many and leaves a legacy of integrity, strong work ethic and love with her family. She was good at many things but will be remembered most as being a great wife, mother and grandmother.
Gail is survived by her husband Frederick (Ted), children Trevor (Joanne), Norine Ambrose (Glenn Siewert) and April Kurtz (Paul); grandchildren Jessie Vredegoor (Tyler), Ben Ambrose, Tristan, Julia and Jason Schoff, Kami Harris (Mitchell), Kyra Kurtz (Hayden), Kodi Comin (Spencer), Keyli Berry (Morgan), and Connor Siewert.
Also by her siblings Diane Hay, Gary Rider (Sharon) and Dale Rider; as well as seven great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and their families and many dear friends.
Gail is predeceased by parents Percy and Astrid Rider; brother Ron Rider, and sisters-in-law Sophie Rider, Flo Rider and Linda Rider, and brother-in-law Mel Hay.
A celebration of Gail’s life will be held at the Bashaw Community Centre, Bashaw, Alta. on Sat. Jan. 20, 2024 at 2 p.m.
Memorial donations in memory of Gail may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, STARS, Bashaw United Church or to a charity of your choice.
Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium are entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. For further information please contact 403-742-3422.
To send condolences to the family, please visit www.stettlerfuneralhome.com.
