https://www.westviewfuneralservices.ca/

West View Funeral Services, 5303/50 Avenue, Olds, AB (2026)

10/15/2026

Elizabeth ‘Freda’ Cheek (nee Hansen) was born August 4, 1932 in Islay, Alberta to William and Annie Hansen of Lea Park. She passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on September 29 in Three Hills at the age of 94. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert (Bob), parents, and brothers George, Bobby and Bruce. She was the last generational survivor of both sides of her immediate family.

She grew up on the family farm above the North Saskatchewan River and Lea Park, where she attended school. She left home at the age of 18 to attend Vermillion School of Agriculture, where she studied Home Economics. In 1951 she was recruited by Elnora’s Senator Donald Cameron for a placement at the Banff School of Fine Arts. It was in Banff that summer where she met Robert Samuel Cheek. They were engaged after her graduation and were married in October 1952. The couple settled briefly on Bob’s family farm just south of Elnora, in a cabin, when their first children Melanie and Orville were born.

The couple moved a mile south to the Paton farm in 1955, where they lived in a large two-storey house on a half section of land, and added five more children: April, Darcy, Brent, Ann and Brady.

After several financially challenging years on the farm the family moved into town early in 1972. They lived briefly in a small house on 4th Ave. before settling into a larger home on Main Street. Several years after retiring from working at the Elnora Hospital, Freda finally attained a long-held dream: owning a new home in 2007. She lived there on an acreage, just north of town until earlier this year, a place where the growing extended family would gather for all of the year’s special occasions.

She is survived by her children Melanie Cheek, Orville Cheek, April Irwin (Mick); Darcy Cheek, Brent Cheek (Shanna), Ann Cheek (Sandy Bain); Brady Cheek (Janelle). She will be lovingly remembered by her 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

09/16/2026

William Victor Gustafson’s life started in the Three Hills Hospital on September 21, 1964.

Bill ended up weighing in as Chris and Lynn Gustafson’s biggest of their six babies. Bill enjoyed watching with his parents the arrival of Kathy, Jerri, Alan, Shawn and Clint.

As the Gustafson family grew, so did the Gustafson mixed farm of grain, dairy, sheep and sometimes pigs, geese, ducks, chickens and BILL’S pigeons and doves. The dairy brought many, many milk customers to the farm over the years.

The “gift of gab” became his Gustafson way of life! At about six years old, Bill was “gabbing” and stated proudly that when he grew up, he was going to be a zookeeper. Lynn made that wish come true for Bill: Guzoo Animal Farm!

Bill’s life was diverse with passions. In childhood, he dirt-biked with Larry Boles every chance they got and weight-lifted to strengthen his small body so he could buy a bigger bike.

Teen years were heavy metal music, which suited his larger-than-his-body personality! The Maturing Bill found a passion for marksmanship with bows, guns and loading ammo. This filled the family freezer. Bill then painted his thumb green, embarking on gardening to provide.

Bill provided food to his family of zoo animals for decades, and when he married, he spent the next 20 years providing for a family of his own, Joe and Anna.

Bill and Joe also became sight-impaired bowling forces to be reckoned with at the Three Hills Bowling Alley.

Each decade of Bill’s life brought more and more nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and friends. He remembered and cared deeply about each and every one of them always.

Diabetes took hold of Bill before he was even a teen. Diabetes tried relentlessly for 5 decades to eliminate Bill’s passions. Each health hurdle that tried to stand in his way taught Bill to quickly kick an often frozen turd to vent his frustration and then press forward in a new passionate direction.

Literally “Livin' on a Prayer”! “Bon Jovi” Bill did live on his prayers! The devil we all saw attacking Bill only strengthened Bill’s life with God.

God called his warrior hunter home on September 09, 2026. He had fulfilled all of his earthly tasks and earned his eternal peace.

On the wings of a dove, he conquered his last demons and rose to peaceful glory!

Thank you, Bill, for teaching us all so much through your challenges and warming our hearts through your actions.

Thank You, God, for lending Bill to us. We celebrate you and remember you for eternity…till we meet again!

09/09/2026

Evert Gehring ~ September 8, 2026

09/08/2026

Raymond Charles Olson ~ August 31, 2026

Raymond Charles Olson was born on July 27th, 1939 in Robbinsdale, Minnesota. He was the fifth child in a family of eleven born to Sophie and Clifford Olson. He grew up in a Godfearing home filled with family devotions, music, and service to others.

Music and faith were central in Ray’s life from childhood. He sang in church and school groups and played piano and accordion. He graduated from High School in 1957 and one year later travelled with his family to Three Hills, Alberta to attend Prairie Bible Institute. He settled permanently in Three Hills and eventually became a Canadian citizen.

Ray worked at Prairie, first as a student worker, then as a member of the music faculty where he taught, coached, and conducted choirs.

In 1970, Ray married Cory Dogterom whom he joked he had “stolen” from the Music Department. Together they shared 56 years of marriage and built a loving home, raising three children: Janna, Karla, and Ryan. Family was one of Ray’s greatest joys.

Ray faithfully cared for his wife Cory through several difficult years as her health declined. After Cory was admitted into long term care in Three Hills, he gratefully moved into the Golden Hills Lodge where he found new friendships and received excellent care.

Ray passed away on August 31, 2026 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Elizabeth Cornelia “Cory” Olson; his daughters, Janna and Karla (Daryl) Notter; his son, Ryan (Jenni) Olson; and his grandchildren, Jared, Annika, Aaron, Ezra, Delford (Del), Xavier, and Isaiah. He is also survived by his siblings Clifford (Barb) Olson, Sharon (Ray) Johnson, Louisa (Don) Nelson, David (Karen) Olson, Paul (Pam) Olson and many other extended family members. Ray was predeceased by his parents Clifford and Sophie Olson, sisters, Mary Lawrence, Jaqueline “Jackie” Hanson, Audrey Kirk, Jeanne “Jeannie” Olson and Amelie “Emmy” Butler.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Prairie Tabernacle. Interment will be at the Three Hills Cemetery at 10am on September 19, 2026.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to:
MSC Canada
Prairie Tabernacle Congregation Missions
Teach Beyond

09/02/2026

Ralph Garnet Smeal
August 26, 1939 – August 29, 2026

It is with deep sadness that the family of Ralph Garnet Smeal announces his passing on August 29, 2026, at Westview Care Community in Linden, Alberta.

Ralph was born on August 26, 1939, in Drumheller, Alberta, the third of seven children born to Albert and Irene Smeal of Michichi, Alberta.

Ralph attended school in Delia and completed Grade 12 at Lindsay Thurber High School in Red Deer. After high school, Ralph enjoyed stock car racing alongside his older brother, Dick.

In May 1960, Ralph began his career with Canadian Utilities, working as a lineman on a crew in Stettler. When the company later became Alberta Power and eventually ATCO, Ralph moved to Oyen, where he worked as a serviceman.

It was after moving to Hanna that Ralph met the love of his life, Sherry. They were married on June 12, 1967, and began their family. Their two sons were born in Hanna, and later, they moved to Consort, where their daughter was born.

In 1974, Ralph was transferred to Three Hills, where he continued his career with ATCO until his retirement. As anyone who knew Ralph will remember, he was never quite ready for the retired life! He went on to work at the Three Hills Golf Course for more than 10 years, where he made many wonderful friendships, including those with the beloved “Pilsner Group.”

Ralph and Sherry continued to make their home in the Three Hills community until Ralph moved into extended care in 2020.

One of the first people Ralph met in Three Hills was Clarence Stewart, who became a lifelong friend. Through this friendship, Ralph developed a deep love for horses and the outdoors. Ralph and Clarence spent many years with their families at Ya Ha Tinda and in other areas out west, camping, hunting, and riding horses. They were often joined by their close friends, the Long family.

Family and friendship were always important to Ralph and Sherry, and they spent many memorable years camping in British Columbia with their very good friends, the Vasseurs, the Smiths, and the Stewarts. These years created many wonderful memories that will be treasured by all who shared them.

Ralph was also very active in sports throughout his life. He enjoyed baseball, curling, and golfing, and generously gave his time coaching boys’ hockey and baseball. He was a dedicated member of the Kinsmen and Elks Clubs, Friends of the Eastern Slopes, and was actively involved with the Three Hills Rodeo Committee.

Ralph will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He valued family, friendship, community, and the simple pleasures of life. His love of horses, the outdoors, sports, and good friends brought him many years of happiness.

Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sherry; son Garnet (Vicki); daughter Melanie (Jason); sisters Joyce, Helen, and Lorna (John); grandchildren Lisa, Ethan, Garett, and Devon; as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Irene; brothers Don and Dick; sister Agnes; and his youngest son, Clint.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Westview Care Community in Linden, Alberta, for the exceptional care and compassion they provided to Ralph, particularly during his final days.

In lieu of flowers or charitable donations, the family kindly asks that those wishing to honour Ralph consider making a donation to Westview Care Community in Linden, Alberta, where he received such wonderful care. Donations can be made through westviewcare.ca.

08/18/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ruth Rist Wigand (née Schulz) of Trochu — beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother — who left us on August 8th, 2026, at the age of 97.

Ruth brought immense light, humour, and kindness to everyone who knew her. She was known for her love of singing in the choir, music, family gatherings, gardening, and cooking, and she dedicated much of her life to her family. Ruth was a woman of strong faith.

Ruth's legacy of love lives on through her surviving family: sons Fred (Laura) Rist and Vern (Maria) Rist; grandchildren David (Alison) Rist, Michael (Andrea) Rist, Christopher Rist, Michael John Rist, Ryan Rist, Terry (Trent) Foster, Glenda (Barry) Jackson, Christie Rist Kuettel, Tracy (Cameron) Drew, Becky (Zoltan) Tougas, and Kelsey (Tom) Ulm; and numerous great-grandchildren.
Ruth was predeceased by her husbands, Henry Rist and Hans Gerhard Wigand, her daughter Iris Keinick, and her son-in-law Glen Keinick.

The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Olds Renal Department for the loving care, kindness, and support they gave Mom over her twelve years of treatment; to the doctors, nurses, and entire team of the acute care unit, who worked tirelessly and cared for her with such compassion until her very last breath; and to Elnora Home Care, whose kind and understanding visits and conversation Mom truly enjoyed. The family also gratefully acknowledges Kneehill Funeral Homes for their good services and dedication. On behalf of Ruth's family, from the bottom of our grateful hearts, thank you all so much for everything you have done. God bless you all.

Family, friends, and all whose lives Ruth touched are invited to a celebration of life on August 27th at 11:30 a.m. at Trochu Baptist Church. Come share stories of a wonderful life well lived.

08/14/2026

Friends and family are deeply saddened by the passing of Marion Hazel (Arvidson) Johnson on August 8, 2026 after her long and courageous medical battles.

Marion was born in Three Hills on December 16, 1946 to Hazel (Farrow) and Albert Arvidson who farmed in the Ghost Pine area. She attended her first few years of school at the one-room Mount Vernon school before relocating to Three Hills Public School. She got her teaching degree and B.Sc. in Home Economics from the University of Alberta in Edmonton and taught high school and junior high in B.C., Alberta, Ontario and New Brunswick.

She was a member of the CGIT when she was in high school along with her lifelong friend Helen (Bishop) Miller and worked at a fishing lodge (Trophy Lodge) in Great Bear Lake in the summers of her university years.

She became an accomplished seamstress and passed along many of those skills to her daughters. She was well-known for gifting handmade blankets to all of the new babies in her life, and was able to mend or alter any piece of clothing presented to her.

During her many years in Toronto she became a talented folk art painter, and much of her work from that era is on display in the homes of family and friends. She even joined some of her artist friends on a trip to France where she was happily exposed to art, scenery and life of that country.

She spent countless hours sailing on Lake Ontario with Phil, and many of the friendships she made with the other women in Bluffers Park Yacht Club stayed with her for life.

Marion became very active in Three Hills when she retired from teaching and moved back 21 years ago to spend time helping her mom stay in her home as long as possible. Although she lived away for many years, she was a prairie girl at heart.

She was on numerous mixed curling club championship teams with skip Keith Smith and loved golfing with the girls. She was a member of the Three Hills Legion branch, served 15 years as chair of the Three Hills Hospital Auxiliary, was a member of the Red Hatters and had an amazing circle of friends that included her birthday club and her aquasize friends. She and her mom were longtime supporters of Knox United Church.

Marion loved travelling with her husband to visit family and to tour countries in Europe, Thailand, and Mexico. She was an avid reader and a jigsaw puzzle enthusiast, often staying up late to put just a few more pieces in.

Marion was predeceased by her parents.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 53 years, Philip, two daughters: Elena Johnson (Joe Nagy) and Krista Marinuzzi (Tony), three stepdaughters: Margret Gledhill, Kirsten Johnson (Kim Messer) and Sherryl Clark, and her two beloved brothers Merl Arvidson (Maureen) and Robert Arvidson (Judy). She will be missed so much by her seven grandchildren: Evelyn Marinuzzi, Joah and Colby Messer-Johnson, Elisabet Margretardottir, Vala Arnardottir, and Finn and Dash Aversano.

Marion was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, community member, and friend who will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Donations to the Three Hills Hospital Auxiliary or Knox United Church would be greatly appreciated.

A celebration of her amazing life will be held at Knox United Church on Tuesday, August 25th at 1:00 pm. Livestream for the service can be viewed at: http://www.youtube.com//streams

Kneehill Funeral Services, Three Hills, entrusted with arrangements 403-443-5111

08/06/2026

Lawrence “Larry” Fredrick Scheers and Britta “Fay” Scheers (née Jones) of Sundre, Alberta, shared nearly 70 years of marriage, a lifetime of adventures, and a deep commitment to family, community, and one another. A true testament to their enduring love and partnership. Fay passed away peacefully on April 24, 2025, at the Olds Hospital at the age of 87. Larry passed away peacefully on August 4, 2026, at Olds Hospital Long Term Care, at the age of 90.

Larry was born in Edmonton, Alberta, on July 15, 1936, to Fredrick Scheers and Alice Scheers (née Goymer). The eldest of three children, he was joined by his younger sisters, Marion and Elaine. He spent much of his early life in the Edmonton area before later living in Whitecourt, Olds, and finally Sundre.

Fay was born in Grande Prairie, Alberta, on June 7, 1937. She was adopted on November 9, 1940, by her parents, William James Jones and Bertha Margaret Jones (née Jensen), and raised alongside her brother, Kenneth. Like Larry, she spent her early years in the Edmonton area before eventually settling in Sundre.

A dedicated and hardworking man, Larry earned his designation as a Second-Class Power Engineer and spent a significant portion of his career with Mobil Oil. In his spare time, he farmed cattle near Sundre and enthusiastically supported Fay’s passion for miniature horses. An avid hunter and fisherman, Larry especially looked forward to moose hunting season and treasured his fly-in fishing trips.

Community service was a cornerstone of Larry’s life. A lifelong member of Lions Clubs International, he served in many capacities, including president, and was a founding member of the Olds Lions Club in 1968. Over the years, his dedication to Lionism earned him numerous awards and recognitions.

Fay was a talented and creative woman whose passions touched many lives. She loved miniature horses, especially her prized stallion, Chicco. She enjoyed painting, creative writing, baking, and cooking, and was known for bringing family and friends together with her pies, buns, cinnamon buns, and Christmas shortbread cookies. She also had an adventurous spirit and a fondness for fast cars.

Throughout her life, Fay embraced many roles. Early in her career, she worked at an institution supporting individuals with cognitive disabilities and mental health challenges. Later, she worked at the Olds Bakery, owned and operated her own café and bakery, The Cream Puff, and catered numerous events. After moving to the family farm near Sundre, she devoted herself to miniature horse showing and driving, earning countless ribbons and trophies through her skill and dedication.

Larry and Fay were married on July 29, 1955, and together built a loving family, welcoming five children: William “Bill” Scheers, Jeffery Scheers, Christopher Scheers, Teresa Petersen, and Lynne Scheers.

Together they shared countless adventures. Whether on hunting trips, camping excursions, Alaskan cruises, weekly bingo outings, or simply enjoying life on the farm surrounded by children and grandchildren, they found joy in each other's company. Fay's careful planning and exceptional camp cooking perfectly complemented Larry's enthusiasm for the journey ahead.

Larry and Fay were predeceased by their parents; Larry's sister, Elaine; Fay's brother, Kenneth; their eldest son, Bill Scheers; and their granddaughter, Robin Strub. They are lovingly remembered by Larry’s sister Marion; their children, Jeffery, Christopher, Teresa, and Lynne; their grandchildren; Aaron, Steven, Jeremy, Karina, Amie, Rose, Michelle, KC, Dax, Kylie, Dillion, Danny, Desirae, and their great-grandchildren; Faith, Lexi, Chloe, Dalton, Leah, Kinsey, Layn, Kyrah, Theo and Sammy, as well their extended family and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to Olds Hospital Long Term Care or the Olds Lions Club.

08/05/2026

Gilbert Holt ~ August 2, 2026

08/04/2026

It is with great sadness that we announce that Jaqueline Allison Dicknoether (nee Nicol) passed away July 30, 2026 at Olds Hospital and Care Centre. She is survived by her husband David, her children, Justin, Christa, and Adam, her son-in-law Jared Walker, and her five grandchildren, Nevaeh, Ella, Izabelle, Tessa, and Nathan. She is preceded by her parents, Ray and Marty Nicol, her in-laws, Earl and Doris Dicknoether, her daughter Amanda Walker, brother-in-law Bruce Witwer, and other extended family members. She was born on January 10, 1960, in Estevan Saskatchewan, the second of six children. Growing up in the city but often visiting her uncle’s farms, she had youth full of experiences and adventures with her sisters and brother. Moving to Red Deer in 1977, she shortly found the love of her life while working with David at a local gas station and the two of them were married in May of 1980. She soon had her first child, Amanda, in 1981 and nine short years later completed her family. In that time, they moved to Olds and put down roots in the community that would extend far and wide as she became involved in their local parish, volunteering with the CWL, and helping with her children at school and their various activities and sports. Jacqueline cared deeply for her family, always striving to give the best life to her children and grandchildren. After the passing of her daughter, Jaqueline displayed her love and compassion for her family as she spent the following years helping raise Amanda’s children. She will be remembered as a loving mother, aunt, sister and grandmother, an adoring wife, a kind and generous member of her church, and a caring and compassionate person. Her service is August 13 at 1:00 pm, held at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church, 4302 57th Ave, Olds, AB. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Olds Hospital or Central Alberta Cancer Center.

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