Kneehill Funeral Services

04/17/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Janice Lee Schalin (Lawson), who left us on April 2, 2026.

Janice was born on May 18, 1951, in Olds, Alberta, to Gene and Eileen Lawson. She spent her formative years in Olds with her brother, Ron, under the loving care of her grandparents. Janice’s journey took her to Calgary and Ottawa before she returned to Olds, where she met her husband, Norman Schalin. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Lane and Lorelei (Lori).

Janice had a profound passion for gardening and antiques, which she shared with the community through her Emporium antique and bookstore for many years. Throughout her life, Janice cultivated deep relationships, especially with her stepmother, Dorotha Lawson, and close friends Marg Jopp and Shirley Kubik. She enjoyed a variety of activities, including golfing, bowling, and camping with family and friends. Janice loved spending time at auctions, garage sales, and antique stores, often accompanied by her sister Bonnie and husband Gary Wagstaff, as well as her brother-in-law Marvin Schalin and his wife Susan.

Janice is survived by her beloved children Lane and Lorelei (Darryl Talbot); her brother Ron (Marsha); her half-sister Syndi and half- brother Doug; and many cherished nieces and nephews. She will be remembered not only for her dedication to her family but also for her spirited opinions, kindness and love for animals.

In lieu of flowers, Janice’s family kindly requests that donations be made to your local cat rescue or SPCA. A private celebration of Janice’s life will be held with family and close friends. Thank you to the Olds Hospital for her care over the last several months. Should you wish to send any notes to the family: Lorelei@astoriamanagement.ca

04/16/2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Garnet Fredrick Behrens age 80 years at the Myron Thompson Hospital in Sundre, AB.

Garnet was the first child in a family of 5 children born to Fred and Mabel Behrens. For the first 17 years of his life, Garnet lived on the family farm in the Lessard area. After the farm sold, he later moved to Bonnyville with his family. Over the years Garnet worked as a truck driver, a rig hand in the oil field finally finding his niche as a certified refrigeration mechanic. At the age of 27 he met his future wife Vicki and her 2 year old son Shane and married a year later.

Though city life offered employment opportunities, he missed the peace and quiet of country living. Many years later he bought an acreage which he referred to as his "little place of Heaven on Earth" and resided there until his passing on March 25, 2026.

He is lovingly survived by his wife of 53 years, Vicki Behrens, son Shane (Beverly) Behrens, grandchildren: Colbey (Nicki) Behrens and Grady Behrens, sister Lois (Emil) Vogel and brothers Loren (Josie) Behrens and Randy (Shannon) Behrens.

He was predeceased by his father Fredrick Behrens, stepmother Wilma Behrens, mother Mabel Newgard, stepfather Hartwick Newgard and brother Chris Behrens.

A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date and will be held at the Lessard Cemetery.

04/13/2026

Marguerite (Joy) Armstrong ~ April 10, 2026

04/09/2026

Please use this link to view the Celebration of Life service for James Guard:
https://www.youtube.com//streams

James (Jim) Stanley Guard, age 79, of Trochu, Alberta passed away peacefully, at the Three Hills Hospital on January 26, 2026, with loved ones by his side. He was grateful for his final few weeks of family & friends stopping by for one last visit.

Jim was born on July 17, 1946, in Innisfail Alberta, to Haldon and Dorothy Guard, He was the third of four boys, and the majority of his life was spent in Wimborne and Trochu, since 1954, where he has called this community home ever since.

Jim met Mary Glenn Jensen in 1966, and the two married in 1969, beginning their loving relationship that lasted almost 60 years. Together they built their life in Trochu, where they raised their children, Kelly, Nadine and Miranda, living in three different family homes.

In 1964, Jim and his three brothers purchased Raymond Rear’s share of the John Deere Dealership in Trochu, which changed to Guard’s Implements, until they sold in 1994. Jim obtained his Motor Mechanics (1972) and Partsman Certification (1974) from SAIT and numerous management courses and trips with John Deere through his career.

Retirement was spent catering in the community, for 35 years together. They truly enjoyed socializing with everyone at each event they worked at in the community.

Jim was an outstanding community member, who gave generously of his time, talents and treasures. He served as a Board of Trustee with Golden Hills School Division for 8 years, he was a volunteer Firefighter for 18 years, he was the avid member for the Trochu Hall Board for a number of years, fundraising to build the new community centre, which opened in 2002. He still continued to provide his services right up until December when he sold his last batch of 300 club tickets, which he was passionate about.

While raising their kids, Jim & Mary Glenn spent endless hours and days camping and had a seasonal at Pine Lake for years, until shortly after the tornado in 200. They continued camping with family & friends in their 5th wheel until last summer.

Jim’s dedication to his family, friends and community often came before his own needs. While life was busy between work, volunteering and numerous trips to Calgary for Miranda, they always made time to take their kids to extracurricular activities. Jim often had the big brown van filled with kids to go to hockey games with Kelly, or dance competitions with Nadine.

The Guard house was always a revolving door of company, from young to old...everyone was always welcome there! So many stories shared around the kitchen table over dinner, drinks or games of cards. Jim always found comfort in his connections with others and so many memories were created together!

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Mary Glenn, his children Kelly (Rachel), Nadine & Miranda, nine grandchildren & four great-grandchildren. Kelly & Rachel’s family: Cody (Chantel) & Calvin; Austin (Becky), Theo & Luna; Jordan (Kayla); Matthew (Taylor) & Amelia; Shalev, Alexandra, Breanna and Nadine’s son Joshua and his brother Jacob. As the family continued to grow, Jim enjoyed spending time at our family functions catching up over a delicious meal and playing games & cards.

He is also survived by his brother Gord (Anna) , sister-in laws: Sandy, Lorraine, Eileen (Jack), Debbie, Norma & Phyllis (Marshall); as well as many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Jim leaves behind a community of lifetime friendships and many of their kids' friends who have been treated like family over the years together.

To say he will be deeply missed by family and friends, and our community, can’t even articulate our feeling of loss. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, authenticity, dedication, and endless stories. Jim was predeceased by his parents; his mother and father in-law; his brothers Bruce and Earl; his brothers-in-law: Frank, Allen, Murray and sisters-in-law: Henrietta (Albert), Rita (Garry) and Mona. Rest in peace - We Love YOU!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trochu Community Centre or Rehoboth Christian Ministries (Three Hills) where Miranda has been for 25 years.

03/27/2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Stephen (Steve) Bruce Babiak of Olds, Alberta. Steve passed away on March 21, 2026, with his children by his side.

Steve was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, to his parents, Margaret and Anton Babiak. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and went on to earn his plumbing and pipefitting tickets from SAIT. Steve enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a pipefitter, taking great pride in his work and cherishing the many experiences he gained working across the province.

At the age of 18, Steve met his wife, Barb, in Brandon, Manitoba. Together they built a life rooted in love and family, beginning in Calgary before settling in Olds in 1980, where they raised their two children. Steve was predeceased by his wife, Barb Babiak, in 2022.

Steve was a proud and present grandpa, spending a lot of quality time with his grandkids. He also had a creative spirit and found joy in many hobbies, especially fishing, gardening and creating art projects. He held a deep love for the mountains, with Waterton being his favourite place to visit. He will be fondly remembered for his positive outlook on life and his often repeated advice: “Never lose your sense of humor.”

Steve was a loving brother, husband, father, and devoted grandfather. He is survived by his sister Caroline Pasieka, his brothers Tony (Linda) Babiak and Willie (Diane) Babiak, his son Aaron Babiak (Christine), and his daughter Amy McMahon (Brody). He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren, Kylie and Carter Babiak, and Reid and Raina McMahon.

He will be lovingly missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the incredible care team at Red Deer Hospice Society for their compassion and support during his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Red Deer Hospice Society.

03/26/2026

Ron and Judy Matus ~ Come and Go Celebration of Life

03/26/2026

Evelyn Hicks ~ March 22, 2026

03/24/2026

Cecelia Marie Arnold ~ March 21, 2026

03/16/2026

THOMPSON, Norma Irene
15 June 1937 - 23 February 2026

Norma Thompson of Red Deer, Alberta passed away on the 23 of February, 2026 at the age of 88.

Norma was born at home in Calgary on the 15 of June, 1937 to Robert (Bob) and Clara Alexander. She was an only child.

Norma met the love of her life, Floyd Thompson through Floyd’s sister Myrna Turner. Excited to start their new life together, the two were married on 22 of July 1960.

Norma and Floyd couldn’t wait to start a family of their own, so they brought home a baby boy whom they named Bradley and a baby girl whom they named Dianne. Thinking their family was complete, along came a surprise pregnancy that ended with the birth of their daughter named Alexandria (Ria). Their family was truly complete!

Norma loved knitting, reading, baking and doing puzzles, but her favorite role was that of grandmother. Norma treasured her time with her grandkids, whether it was teaching Sarah how to knit or taking Chris and Chase camping, she just loved being their Grandma.

Norma is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Floyd, her daughter Ria Cole (Spencer), granddaughter Sarah Cole, grandsons Christopher and Chase Cutarm and numerous family members.

Norma was predeceased by her parents Bob and Clara Alexander, her stepmother Mae Alexander, stepsister Maxine Bartsch, her son Brad and daughter Dianne.

Service will be held at the Trochu Baptist Church (202 Poplar Ave) on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 2pm.

03/13/2026

Alvin Kirk ~ March 11, 2026

03/09/2026

Vernon (Bud) Haskell ~ March 6, 2026

03/02/2026

Diann Patricia Clouston, age 78, of Three Hills, AB, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026.

Diann was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Wayne, and a proud and loving mother to her three sons: Shaun (Dyana), Cory, and Jason (Shelley). She was a cherished grandmother to Laurel and Connor (Kristin), Breckyn, Skylar (Bethan), Kaden and Kale. Each of whom brought her immense pride and joy. She was a loving step grandmother to Tiara, Torrin, Jaeger, and Tayne.

She is also lovingly remembered by her brothers, Rod (Diane) Hennessy and Warren Hennessy, and her sister, Karen (Barry) Erletz. She was a dear aunt to numerous nieces and nephews whom she held close to her heart: Norman, Sheri, Kate, Mike, Tyson, Lindsay, Brad, Dustin, Shane, Tara, Kevin and Kenny.

Diann was predeceased by her parents, Owen and Margaret Hennessy, and her brothers, Lawrence and John Hennessy.

Diann was loved by all who knew her. She had a warmth and quiet strength that made people feel welcome and valued. Her greatest joy was her family, and she supported them wholeheartedly in all their pursuits, most notably hockey and harness racing. Her home and yard reflected her love of gardening and flowers, which she tended with pride and care.

Her warmth and kindness left a lasting mark on all who knew her. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered in the hearts of those blessed to have known her.

A private family service will be held in the Spring.