Elizabeth SPENCE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

SPENCE: Elizabeth (Betty) Taylor (nee Leslie) passed away peacefully with her family by her side, at Deloraine Health Centre on February 7, 2018, at the age of 85 years. Betty was born on July 20, 1932 in Deloraine Memorial Hospital youngest child of George and Margaret (nee Clark) Leslie. Their family first lived in the Turtle Mountains and Betty received her education at Bayview School. In 1946 the family moved to the town of Deloraine and Betty completed her education at Falconer Collegiate. Early in life, Betty knew the value of a dollar, developed a strong work ethic and knew that it was people not possessions that mattered most. Their family home was a boarding house and Betty helped her parents with the cooking, cleaning, laundry and daily running of the home. Betty also worked at Jenkin’s Drugstore and as a telephone operator for MTS both in Deloraine. On March 22, 1958, Betty married Robert (Bob) Spence of Waskada, Manitoba. After their marriage, Bob and Betty lived in Waskada for a short time before beginning a life of farming first east of Deloraine and then in 1966 they took over the Spence family farm north of Waskada. Betty enjoyed working alongside Bob on the farm and raising their four children. In the late 1970’s Betty became a school bus driver for the Antler River School Division, retiring from driving in 1997. Throughout her life Betty belonged to many service clubs and groups. She was a member of the United Church of Canada, Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT), the Rebekah Lodge, Princess Mimosa Goodwill Club and Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She supported her children and later her grandchildren in all of their events and loved watching hockey and curling. In 1990 Bob and Betty retired from the farm and moved into their new home in Waskada. Betty and Bob enjoyed camping and travelling during their retirement years. When failing health prohibited Betty from outings, she enjoyed reading, word puzzles, watching sports and game shows on TV and was most appreciative of friends and family who dropped in to share a cup of coffee and a chat. Betty was predeceased by her daughter, Judy Spence (2008), father, George Leslie (1990), mother, Margaret (Clark) Leslie (1977), and, her sister Margaret (Leslie) Smith (1969). She is survived by her husband Bob and their children; Gail (Ted) McDonald, Lyle (Karen) Spence (Grandsons - Jared and Jayden Spence) and Murray Spence (Rose Hilts) and family (Amanda Hilts, Kathy and Simon Ghali and boys). Funeral services were held on February 12, 2018 at the Waskada United Church with Rev. Heather Sandilands officiating. Pallbearers were Tim Palmer, Ron Stewart, Murray Stewart, Jamie Spence, Ryan Spence, and Carson Spence. All those in attendance were considered Honorary Pallbearers. Interment was in the Waskada Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Waskada Cemetery Fund, Box 40, Waskada, Manitoba, R0M 2E0; Deloraine Community Cancer Program, Box 447, Deloraine, Manitoba, R0M 0M0 or a charity of your choice. Smith’s Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 24, 2018