Obituary of Mary Mialla Montieth

Mary Montieth 1928 - 2019 It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Mrs. Mary Mialla Montieth who passed away peacefully on November 6, 2019 in her home in Okotoks, AB at the age of 90 years. Mary was born in Saskatoon, SK on November 22, 1928 to William and Anna Kowbluk. The family moved to a farm near Elstow, SK in 1932, where Mary attended school until graduating Grade 12 in 1946. Mary moved to Saskatoon to obtain her teaching certificate at Normal School, and in February of 1947 received her first teaching assignment at a one-room country school called Lake Four where she would have 32 students in grades five through nine. In addition to teaching her students, Mary had to maintain the fire in the basement to keep the schoolhouse warm. She felt lucky to have a local farmer provide chopped wood, as well as a fresh bucket of water each day for her and the children to use for drinking and washing their hands. In 1948, Mary moved to Canwood to teach in the town’s red brick schoolhouse. While teaching in Canwood, Mary met her future husband John Montieth. They were married on November 21, 1952 in Prince Albert. John and Mary eventually took over the family farm where they raised their family of three children, Roy, Glen and Gail. Mary continued to teach as a substitute teacher at Canwood and Mont Nebo schools, as well as teaching the kindergarten class in Canwood for many years. Life was busy on the farm. There were always animals to tend to, a large garden to look after, berries to pick, cleaning, cooking, and many, many hours pickling, preserving, canning and freezing. Somehow Mary still found time to help with homework, attend her children’s activities, sew anything requested and bake all of her family’s favourites. Mary’s door was always open to welcome friends and family with coffee and baking. John and Mary lived on the farm until 1986, when they purchased a house in Canwood and moved into town. Mary was very involved in her local community. She believed in giving back to her community by volunteering her time and talents wherever needed. Mary was a life member of the Royal Purple Elks Lodge of Canwood. She was proud of the work the Lodge members did and enjoyed the comradery. Mary was also secretary for The Canwood Regional Park for ten years, and was recognized as a “Volunteer of the Year” by Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation during that time. Mary retired from farm life in 1990 and spent her retirement years in Canwood. In 2018, Mary moved to The Heartland Retirement Residence in Okotoks, AB. Mary immediately became involved in the activities at the residence cultivating many new friendships. She will be missed by all who knew her. Mary will be lovingly remembered by her three children: Roy (Beverley) Montieth and their daughter Sydney. Glen (Brenda) Montieth and their children Alisha (Ron) Demmings and their children Wesley and Stanley; Scott and Kara. Gail (Tyler) Peterson and their children Kristin, Katelyn, Ashley and Aaron. Sister-in-law Betty Kowbluk, as well as numerous other relatives. Mary was predeceased by her husband John Montieth, her parents William and Anna (nee: Scherbluk) Kowbluk, brothers; Pete (Inez) Kowbluk and Fred Kowbluk, father and mother-in-law Dave and Irene Monteith, sister and brother-in-laws; Mildred (Bob) Bone, Evelyn Monteith, Albert Montieth, Marie (Ronald) Lanes. A celebration of Mary’s life was held on November 23, 2019 at 2:00 pm in the Canwood Elks Community Center in Canwood, SK with Rev. Rita Cattell officiating. Organist Grace Buhler and The Canwood Community Choir provided special music. Active Pallbearers were: Art Young, Greg Edeen, Bruce Harper, Dennis Lehman, Trevor Kvinlaug and Lorne Benson. Honourary Pallbearers were: All of Mary’s friends and relatives that shared in her life. The Canwood Royal Purple Elks Lodge had their service and formed an Honour Guard. In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations may be made to The Canwood Regional Park. Interment was in Canwood North Cemetery. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau "Lac" Funeral Home, Tammy Smart, Director, Shellbrook (306-747-2828).