Arnice (Agnes) Matilda (Van Kerchvoorde) Walton passed peacefully on Mon. June 20, 2022 at the Hanna Extended Care Unit at Hanna, Alta. It is with sadness but also a relief not only for mom, but her family. The last few years had not been a gift to her.
Mom was born Aug. 7, 1927 in Hanna to parents Henry and Alice (Cocquyt) Van Kerchvoorde who had immigrated from Ostend Belgium and were homesteaders in the Finnegan Alberta district.
Mom and her sister Mary spent their youth on the farm and attending school. Mom married Robert (Bob) Nelson Walton of the Lonebutte district on Oct. 19, 1927.
As with young farm couples, working hard, continuing on the Walton family homestead and raising a family.
Mom helped with the farm where needed, milking cows, stooking bundles, gardening, sewing clothes and caring for us “kids.”
Mom enjoyed community activities at Dorothy and Homestead Coulee and being a Ladies Club member. Dad and Mom really enjoyed floor disking at Homestead Coulee and at the Handhills Club House.
A move to a new home in Hanna was made in the fall of 1985. There she also enjoyed activities and especially bus trips to Alaska, across Canada and several U.S. states.
Mom taught herself to crochet. Her afghans were beautiful – every stitch just perfect. Gifts for family, friends and gift bar at the Hanna Hospital.
Mom is survived by: Bonnie (Lee) Stringer, sons: Brian (Patsy) Walton, and Ron (Kim) Walton; grandchildren: Neil (Kathy) Stringer, Crista (Scott) Viste, Scott Walton, Jacquie (Brian) Galster, Chad (Christine) Walton, Kelly Walton, Tyler (Dezarae) Walton, and Ashley Walton.
She is also survived by sister-in-law Grace Jones; nieces and nephews; great grandchildren: Faith and Lily Stringer, Amanda, Callen and Graysie Walton, Brandon and Brooke Galster, Makana and Anela Walton, Regan Walker, Carter Mitchell, Jacob, Jaycee, Rhett and Quaid Walton, Ernest and Abigail Stahl.
Mom is predeceased by her parents, Henry and Alice; husband Bob; infant daughter Diana Lynn; granddaughter Carrie Lee Stringer; sister Mary Mashon; sister-in-law Alice Beaumont; brothers-in-law: Walter Mashon, Earl Beaumont and Bill Jones.
A private family graveside service will be held on July 30, 2022 at the Hanna Cemetery.
If desired donations in memory of Agnes can be made directly to the Hanna SPCA, Box 2126, Hanna, Alta. T0J 1P0 or to a charity of your choice.
Hanna Funeral Services Ltd. has been entrusted with the care and arrangements, 403-854-5956, www.hannafuneral.ca.