Hanna Funeral Services Ltd.

01/16/2026

In Their Footsteps…Until You’ve Sat In The Front Row 💓

People mean well.
They offer advice.
They tell you how strong you are.
They say things like “they’d want you to be happy,” or “at least they’re not suffering.”
They talk about closure. About moving on. About staying positive.

But here’s the thing—
Until you’ve sat in the front row at a funeral…
Until you’ve looked at a casket and felt like the world cracked open…
Until you’ve had to stand there and say goodbye when you weren’t ready—
You don’t really know.

You don’t know how grief rearranges every part of you.
You don’t know how long the silence lasts after everyone else goes back to normal.
You don’t know what it’s like to carry someone in your heart because you can no longer carry them in your life.

So, if you haven’t been there yet, I’m truly glad.
I hope that day doesn’t come for you for a very, very long time.
But please—
Don’t tell me how I should be grieving.
Don’t tell me what joy should look like right now.
Just sit with me. Walk beside me.
Or let me be.

Because unless you’ve sat in the front row…
You don’t get to hold the mic.
Written by: Aimee Suyko - In Their Footsteps

01/16/2026

Lovingly Remembered ~ Dorothy Orr
1932~2026
Please keep Dorothy's family in your thoughts and prayers.
An updated obituary will be provided when the family are able.

01/08/2026

Grief Support for Children: Rainbows 12 week session starting January 21. To register call or text Tara at 403 443 0304. Spaces are limited.

01/07/2026

Forever Loved & Forever Missed ~Jenelle Elizabeth Lowther (O'Harrow)
1983~2026, Lived 42 Years
Obituary ~ With profound sorrow, Jenelle Elizabeth Lowther’s family announces her passing on January 2, 2026, at the Drumheller Health Centre. Jenelle was 42 years old, and her loss is deeply mourned by all who loved and cherished her.

Jenelle Elizabeth (O’Harrow) Lowther was born on June 8, 1983, in Cranbrook, British Columbia. Growing up, Jenelle spent much of her early life traveling around Western Canada with her musician parents and her siblings. Her brother Brandon accompanied her on these journeys, and, later, her brother Shawn joined the family. During the summers, her sister Krista also traveled with them, making it a true family adventure on the road.

Jenelle’s first home was in Edberg, Alberta, where she lived for about a year before the family moved to Youngstown, Alberta. After another year, the family relocated to Roselynn, Alberta, where they spent approximately three years. It was during this time in Roselynn that Jenelle began kindergarten in the town of Hanna. The family then returned to Youngstown, where Jenelle attended Grades 1 through 9. For high school, she transferred to J.C. Charyk School in Hanna, where she completed Grades 10 through 12, graduating in Hanna.

Driven by a desire to see more of the country, Jenelle began working for a magazine company, selling subscriptions across Canada for a few months. She quickly proved herself to be a natural salesperson, she could sell ice cubes to Eskimos!

During this period, Jenelle met Greg Burns, and together they had twin girls, Brooke and Angelina. Tragically, the twins were born three months prematurely, and Angelina passed away after just two days. The following years were extremely difficult for Jenelle, but she remained dedicated to being involved in Brooke’s life.

In 2007, Jenelle began working at Hanna Long Term Care, where she eventually became a Health Care Aide (HCA). This role was a testament to her caring nature and her commitment to helping others.

Jenelle married Joe Lowther in 2015. Alongside her ongoing work as an HCA, she pursued various entrepreneurial ventures. At one point, she sold Younique makeup and later started her own jam and jelly business. After some time, Jenelle and her husband Joe launched J + J Property Management, a company they ran together. Most recently, she enjoyed doing nails for friends and family, showcasing her creativity and attention to detail.

Throughout her life, Jenelle threw herself wholeheartedly into every endeavor. Her entrepreneurial spirit kept her busy, and she touched the lives of everyone around her with her radiant smile and caring heart.

Jenelle’s memory will be cherished forever by her devoted husband, Joe Lowther, and her daughter, Ashton (Brooke Endora) Burns. She is also survived by her parents, Mike and Fran O’Harrow, as well as her brothers, Shawn O’Harrow and Brandon O’Harrow, and Brandon’s wife, Sarah, along with their children Kyran and Aaliyah. Her sister, Krista, also mourns her loss.

She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Angelina, and her grandparents.

Jenelle will remain in the hearts of those who knew her and loved her.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Hanna Community Centre in Hanna. Family, friends, and all whose lives Jenelle touched are welcome to join in remembering and honoring her.

For those who wish, donations in Jenelle’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cervical Cancer Organization (Canadian Foundation for Women’s Health), 780 Echo Drive, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5R7.
More information is available on their website: https://survivornet.ca/cancer-type/cervical-cancer/canadian-cervical-cancer-organizations/.

Hanna Funeral Services Ltd. was entrusted with the care and arrangements, 403-854-5956, www.hannafuneral.ca.

01/06/2026

In Remembrance ~ Leslie Rae Storch (Les)
1954~2026, Lived 71 Years
Obituary ~ Leslie Rae Storch was born on June 22, 1954, to Willie and Florence Storch in the Buchan area north of Hanna. He was the younger brother of Donald and Edward.

He was home schooled before progressing to junior and senior high schools in Hanna. He later attended Olds College, followed by SAIT, where he earned his Red Seal certification and subsequently acquired his B Pressure ticket.

Throughout his life, Les was an active participant in the Garden Plains Community. He was a longstanding member of the Garden Plain Community Club and frequently contributed to various events such as ball tournaments, dances, and fall suppers. Even after relocating to town, he remained committed to community involvement and continued attending club meetings.

Les lived on the family farm until he sold the farm in 2016 and moved to Hanna. Les was a rancher all his life, but he also had other jobs that he enjoyed. He advanced to the role of manager at KFC, worked as a welder at Greenslades Northern Welding, and served as a laborer at Gladdish Construction, and he continued to help with Rays Construction.

He was a faithful, dedicated Lion member for 39 years. Les joined this organization in 1987, first the Hanna (Young) Lions and then transferred to the Morrin Lions Club when Hanna’s Lion’s Club folded. He served as District Governor in 2010 - 2011. Les travelled to many conventions all over the world and when Jessie and Les became a couple, they enjoyed attending these Lion’s events together.

Les loved to play baseball, go camping, and play cards. Jessie & Les spent many hours playing crib and canasta. They played in many crib tournaments in Drumheller. Leslie was a member of the Drumheller Legion Branch #22. He enjoyed helping the Town of Hanna out whenever possible. He was also available to help any farmer or friend with harvest, seeding and of course branding. Les loved fishing and would often go to Coronation and other areas around Alberta. Les had many interests - for a while he joined the Hanna Community Band.

His enjoyment of travel grew over the years, with a particularly memorable trip to Nova Scotia with Jessie.

Les passed away on January 1, 2026, at the Hanna Health Centre at the age of 71.

He will be missed by and is survived by his partner Jessie and her family, his brothers Donald and Edward along with their families, as well as many other relatives and friends, including members of the Lion’s Club.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, 1:00 p.m. at the Hanna Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Please keep the Storch family in your heart and prayers. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.hannafuneral.ca

01/03/2026

In Loving Memory~ Robert Douglas John McNeil (Doug)
1946~2026, Lived 79 Years
Please keep Doug's family in your heart and prayers.
Obituary ~ Robert Douglas John McNeil, known to family and friends as Doug, was born on December 5, 1946, and passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at the Clear View Water Centre Care facility in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta at the age of 79 years.

Doug is survived by his loving wife, his son and spouse, three cherished grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, four brothers and two sisters. He was predeceased by a son, his parents, and his in-laws.

In keeping with the wishes of the family, cremation will take place, and no formal service will be held.

Should friends and family desire, memorial donations in Doug's name may be made directly to a charity of their choice.

Hanna Funeral Services Ltd was entrusted with Doug’s care and arrangements. For further information, please contact 403-854-5956 or visit www.hannafuneral.ca.

12/31/2025

In Loving Memory ~ Alvin Otto Mix
1940~2025, Lived 85 Years
Obituary ~ Alvin was born to Otto and Emma Mix on October 16, 1940, in Castor, Alberta. When he was two years old, his family moved to a farm just north of Hanna that they rented and then later purchased.
Alvin attended Solon school for nine years but couldn’t complete his high school education because they had no bus system available yet. During these years he worked on the farm doing most of the field work and helping his dad with the cattle. As he got a bit older, he also worked for his neighbor, Gottleib Schmidt, for several years. Later, he worked on the construction of the jail located in Drumheller. In his spare time, he completed a course that taught him to repair electronics, particularly tv’s.
Alvin and Lorna got acquainted and began writing letters to each other. He often visited his Aunt Lena’s house in Stettler, Alberta and used that opportunity to visit Lorna who lived just a few miles away in Bashaw. On February 5, 1968, Alvin and Lorna were married and continued to farm, buying the home place from Otto and Emma. Their first child Wayne was born in 1969, then Shelley-Anne in 1971 and lastly, Ellamae was born in 1977.
As a teenager, Alvin attended an evangelical church in Hanna and heard the Gospel for the first time. He prayed for Jesus Christ to be his Savior at that time but reaffirmed that decision in his 40’s while his family was attending a Baptist church in Red Deer. Alvin, Lorna and all three of their kids chose to believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior during their time there.
Alvin was always a very hard worker, rarely ever taking a break from the farm work. He was a good neighbor and enjoyed every time someone stopped by for a visit. He was known to be fair and helpful and someone that could be counted on.
When Lorna returned to working as an RN, Alvin began working at the UFA in addition to keeping up with the farm. He was an avid gardener and taught all his kids how to properly maintain a garden and work at it so it could flourish. He enjoyed spending time with his family, often taking a summer evening to drive through the pasture and give the cattle special treats while his kids picked willows and saskatoons.
When grandchildren came, he loved to play with them and show them the farm life, teaching them to feed a calf or collect eggs. He was often in the garden helping them plant a row of flowers for Nana and keeping them from pulling up all the vegetables that were accidentally identified as weeds.
He passed from this life into eternal life in heaven, on December 26, 2025, in Drumheller’s acute care unit after a lengthy illness. He leaves to mourn his wife Lorna, of 57 years, his son Wayne (Jalaigna) Mix of Newberry Springs, CA., daughter Shelley-Anne (Larry) Conway of Newberry Springs, CA., and daughter Ellamae (Tom) Allen of Kent, WA. He also leaves six grandchildren: Robbi-Lynn (Dustin) Howard, Dustin (Abigail) Conway, Blaine (Anna) Conway, Nick Allen, Matt Allen and Kendall Allen and five great grandchildren: Hadley Conway, Ada-Jo Conway, Henry Conway, William Conway, and Declan Howard. He is also survived by his younger sister Arlene (Blake) Stillings, nephews, Craig (Roxanne) Stillings and Rob (Kali) Stillings, their families and many cousins.
In closing, Alvin was aware of his need for a Savior and wanted his family to be confident that they would spend eternity in Heaven, just as he was. His favorite verse was Romans 10:9 “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, 3:00 p.m. at the Hanna Senior Circle.
Hanna Funeral Services Ltd. was entrusted with the care and arrangements, 403-854-5956, www.hannafuneral.ca.

12/23/2025

In Loving Memory ~ Carl (Charley)Ted Annas
1934~2025
Obituary~ “It is with the greatest sorrow that the family of Carl (“Charley”) Ted Annas says goodbye, for now, to a truly remarkable man, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, in-law and friend, who passed away on December 5, 2025, at the age of 91, after a long, happy, and fulfilling life.”

Carl was born to John Sr. and Paulina Annas in Dowling and was one of six children. He was predeceased by his parents and four older brothers: Rudy (Helen), Nelson (Lois – living in Stettler), John Jr. (Edna) and Gus (Myrtle). He is survived by his younger sister Martha (husband Emerson “Red”, deceased).

He is survived by the love of his life, Florence (“Frenchy”) Mercy Annas. They were married on December 17, 1959, and would have celebrated 67 years of marriage. Carl “Charley” was a devoted husband and loved his wife with all his heart. During their marriage they raised two daughters: Carla (Don) Bjorkman and Patricia (Dave) Tipton. They also embraced a significant role in raising their grandson, Justin, “the son they never had”.

He was a proud, supportive, ever present loving father and a cherished grandfather to: Justin (Janel), Stephanie (Cory), Loralee (Stephen), Shelane, Derek and Amy. Also, a cherished great grandfather: Lochlan (Justin and Janel), Jackson (Stephanie), Henry and Andrew (Loralee and Stephen) and Ezra (Shelane).

Charley grew up working on the family farm north of Hanna, AB in Dowling/Scapa area. In 1951 he embarked on a career with CNR as a trainman and retired a Conductor in 1989 after over 38 years.” Charley was never one to gather moss and when offered a position with Special Areas he worked until career retirement. Charley was a kind, humble, generous man with a quiet strength. His deepest joy was the time spent surrounded by family offering wisdom, steady and unwavering support and undying love. He loved life and was an avid gardener, participated in vast family projects, travelled north and south to visit and celebrate family milestones. He was an avid reader and had a thirst for knowledge about everything always. Charley could be seen walking or driving around town and had a smile and a wave for all he met along the way.

"He leaves a legacy of love, wisdom, and guidance that is part of us and will continue on with each of us. Charley was truly unique, “one of a kind”, as Frenchy so often says and his memory is eternal living in the hearts of those who loved him and the memories they share. He leaves the world a better place for so many ... until we meet again."
At Carl’s request, there will not be a formal service. A gathering of love and interment will be held at a future date. Kindly await further notice regarding the date and time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carl’s memory can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, https://www.heartandstroke.ca/, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 or Cancer Foundation, https://cancer.ca/en/, 55 St Clair Avenue West, Suite 300, Toronto, Ontario, M4V 2Y7.

Hanna Funeral Services Ltd., was entrusted with the care and arrangements, 403-854-5956,
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.hannafuneral.ca.

“The Broken Chain” by Ron Tranmer
We little knew the day that
God was going to call your name
In life, we loved you dearly,
In death, we do the same

It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn’t go alone
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home

You left us peaceful memories
Your love is still our guide
And though we cannot see you
You are always at our side

Our family chain is broken
And nothing seems the same
But as God calls us one by one
The chain will link again

…. until we meet again

12/23/2025

Forever Missed ~ Faith Helena Crowle (nee Trout)
1942 ~ 2025, Lived 83 Years
Obituary ~ With heavy hearts, we share that Faith Crowle of Hanna passed away on December 21, 2025 at the age of 83.

Faith was born on July 6, 1942 to Frank & Erma Trout and was the nineth of fifteen children. She grew up on the family farm northwest of Delia. Faith moved to Hanna to work at the Hospital and that is when she met Ted Crowle.

Ted and Faith married December 14, 1963 and they were blessed with four children. Her most important role was being a mother, a role she embraced wholeheartedly. As well as looking after her own children, she babysat many children who she treated as her own.

When Faith’s children grew up, she went to work at the Hanna Lodge for several years until retirement. After retirement Faith enjoyed spending as much time as she could with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Faith was everyone’s Grandma.

Faith was an active member of the Hanna Young Lion’s Club for many years and went on to be a member of the Sunshine Club, where she generously gave her time and energy to help others in the community.

To everyone who knew her, she was the most kind, caring and giving person – a quiet helper whose love showed up in countless small and meaningful ways. Her smile lit up the room and reflected the warmth and kindness she carried in her heart.
Faith was reunited with her husband Ted, as well as many other family members and friends.

Faith is lovingly remembered by her children: Richard (Mary-Anne), Janice (Don and his children Justin, Jeremy and Aleasha), Dale (Michelle and her children Shelby and Audrey), Karen (Clint). Her ten grandchildren: Whitney, Ty, Hayley, Lindsey, Ryan, Mark, Leanne, Scott, Carson and Jackson and her sixteen precious great grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, December 30th at 1:00 pm at the Hanna Community Centre. We welcome all who knew Faith to join us in honoring the life she lived and the love she gave.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Hanna Sunshine Club, Box 160, Hanna, Alberta, T0J 1P0.

12/23/2025

In Loving Memory~ Dorothy Rose James
1928 ~ 2025, Lived 97 Years
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dorothy Rose James on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at Hanna Long Term Care.

As per Dorothy’s wishes no service will be held. She will be laid to rest at a later date.

Dorothy will be deeply missed by all those who knew her.

Memorial donations in Dorothy’s memory can be made directly to the Hanna Ladies Auxiliary, Box 23, Hanna, AB, T0J 1P0.

An updated obituary will be provided as soon as the family are able.

12/23/2025

Forever In Our Hearts ~ William (Bill) Lloyd Rees
1951~2025, Lived 74 years
Obituary ~ With deep sorrow, the family of William (Bill) Lloyd Rees announce his sudden passing on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the age of 74 years. He climbed his last set of stairs to be with his Lord and Savior.

Bill, the youngest of four, was born to Helen & Gwynvor Rees of Craigmyle, AB on Sept. 24, 1951. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Mary Anne and a son, Lee. As well, six grandchildren: Zachary (Haley), Brett (Delayne), Taylor (Skyshun), Emma, Lucas & Damon, two great grandchildren: Axton & Anastasia, his sister Harriet, along with in-laws and numerous nieces & nephews. He is predeceased by his son Lane, his parents Helen & Gwynvor Rees, father-in-law Albert Rosin, mother-in-law Elsa Rosin, brothers Barry & Norman & several brothers & sisters-in-law.

Bill was raised on the family farm south of Craigmyle. He attended school in Craigmyle & Delia until he was 15. It was then that he felt he had enough education & left home for Calgary with his brother Barry. He was fortunate to get a job working as a yardman sorting livestock at the Calgary Stockyards. In 1968, Bill met the love of his life, Mary Anne Rosin & in May of 1970, they were married. After a year as an alley rat, he started his apprenticeship as a carpenter for Duet Construction. In the next few years, their sons, Lee & Lane arrived.

The next several years were filled with completing his apprenticeship & moving back home to continue his first passion, farming. In ’77 a new venture began, Big Country Construction and Building Supplies Ltd.

In 1986, he had an unfortunate farming accident. This challenged him for the rest of his life but did not slow his pursuits. In 1990, there was the purchase of land that was built into the family home & farm. Mom & Dad continued to grow & expand the construction & farming operations with his family. Some years later, he found a new venture, selling fertilizer, which allowed him to travel around and talk about farming.

In the middle of all this he played baseball, coached baseball & hockey, or watched his boys, grandkids, and nieces & nephews playing any of the above. He loved farming, carpentry, hunting, skiing, boating, gardening, and a good game of cards with friends.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, papa, great grandfather, brother and uncle. He was a man who believed in the rewards of hard work & perseverance. He will be missed.

You may not see his face each day,
Or hear his laugh in the same old way,
But he’s still near, his spirit stays,
In quiet nights and sunlit days.
He lives in every kind hello,
In fields of grain and falling snow.
A love like his will not depart-
He left his hand print on your heart.