Martha Lovlie

Martha (Belter) Lovlie of Rimbey Valley View Manor passed away peacefully with family at her side on June 7, 2020 at the age of 98.

Martha was born in Midzk Volhynia Poland (now Ukraine) was a survivor of all the hardships of enduring two wars, after having her Dad leave when she was 6 to go to Canada to find a better life. There was song and laughter as Martha always had faith in God and was thankful for the many blessings that one did have.

Martha along with son Siegfried immigrated to Canada in 1948 to be with her father in the Blindman River District (west of Bluffton) and soon felt a great freedom and love for her new homeland. Martha got busy fixing the house up, milking the cows, and to earn extra cash would pick blueberries, even rocks/roots for neighbors.  There was a certain bachelor (of many) in the district that caught her eye.  Martha married Gunnar Lovlie in May 1951 after a short stay in RMH they moved to Gunnar’s farm just N/W of where her mother & father lived. Martha being very resourceful quickly adapted comfortably into the role of homesteading, as Martha always believed in; to make do with whatever resources were available. The farm was known as Happy Hills, Martha sometimes referred to the farm as Hard Work Hills, but loved life on the farm out in the west country where she felt there was no better place to raise their family of 5 children. Martha soon the Blindman River Ladies Club as she believed community service was important. Martha’s strong work ethic, determintion and perseverance was always present as one-year Martha cut 4400 posts by hand to sell to earn some extra income.  

After 25 years Gunnar and Martha sold the farm and moved to Rimbey where Martha worked at local businesses until the age of 65. Martha & Gunnar enjoyed spending time with the grandchildren which included taking them on days trips exploring Alberta, the West Country, Disneyland, Germany sometimes these trips would include a overnight stay in the red station wagon. Martha always make sure there was lots of food for them especially those yummy homemade buns right out of the oven. Soon after the grandchildren grew, Martha was overjoyed seeing the great grandchildren. Martha & Gunnar starting traveling all over Canada, to the USA, Israel and Martha traveling back to Germany & Ukraine to see where she was raised – but always glad to come back home; as Canada was the best place; as it was her home.

Martha’s door was always open for family and friends as this gave for opportunity for cooking and having an enjoyable visit, always making sure you left with a full belly and extra food for you to take home. Whether it was potato pancakes, sauerkraut, fruit pies, blueberry porgies, sponge cake, fresh baked bread and so much more it all was good.  Martha loved spending time in her large vegetable garden with the many vivid colorful flowers and fruit trees.   For many years Martha looked forward to entering the Rimbey horticultural show with her prized flowers, vegetables, fruit, canning, baking etc. where Martha won many awards at the shows including the many, many, handmade quilts. Martha was always making quilts and was overjoyed if someone was getting married, having a baby, graduating or just because as this gave reason to make another quilt. Many of these quilts were made from recycled material and they just could have been from something you use to wear as they were always made with love.

In Martha’s spare time she joined the Rimbey Drop-In-Choir, one could hear her singing or humming as  this brought her peace and maybe just hearing one’s own voice did not seem so lonely as was the experience in younger years. Martha also joined the W.I. group which she always looked forward to meeting with and having a community project to work towards.

At 91 Martha moved to the Rimbey Valley View manor that soon became home where she is still able to attend worship, visiting with new/past friends, take in the many activities available and still maintain her independence. Martha always enjoyed a ride out to the country, the mountains, to the farm, stopping in at James Bar & Grill, looking & picking flowers, visiting with family & friends, enjoying life and its many blessings.

The family would like to thank the all staff at the Rimbey Valley View Manor and to the FCSS Health Care Aids for the outstanding care, love and attention given. Mom appreciated all of you and always said with a smile – they are so good to me here I do not want to be any other place!

Martha will be lovingly remembered by her children: Clara Schwieger, (Bluffton), David Lovlie (Sylvan Lake), Edith (Danny) Beach (Lacombe), Donnalyn (daughter in- law) & Peter Froese (son in-law); 12 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, 3 great, great grandchildren; bother Rudolf Belter (Barrhead), sister-in-law Margaret Lovlie (Red Deer) cousins, numerous nieces and nephews. Predeceased by husband Gunnar, sons Siegfried, Irwin, parents August/Karoline Belter, daughter-in-law Elaine, son-in law Bob Schwieger, and 8 siblings.

A private family funeral service was held at the Rimbey Church of Nazarene with Reverend Donnalyn Froese and Reverend Grant Rainey officiating. Interment followed in the Iola Fairview Cemetery.

If friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Iola Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca

A Celebration Lunch for Martha Lovlie will be held at the Blindman River Hall at a later date after all COVID 19 restrictions are lifted.   

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