Obituary

On August 30, 2016, Mrs. Rose (Rosa) June Blacklock of Elk Point passed away peacefully in the Palliative Care Room in the Elk Point Hospital, surrounded by her family, at the age of 98 years. She is survived by her 3 children:

– Daughter Jennifer, grandsons Monte & Clint, granddaughter Nicole (Matthew), great-grandsons Tyler, Markus, and baby on the way; granddaughter Natasha (Tyler)

– Daughter Grace (Bobby), granddaughter Armina (Jeff), granddaughter Felina (Jacques), great-grandson Kaysen, great-granddaughter Ellyra, granddaughter Yolanda, granddaughter Zoey-Lyn (Darren)

– Son Harry, granddaughter Tanya (Brad), great-granddaughters Mackinley & Layne, grandson Lorne (Kristin), great-granddaughters Kadence & Aynslee.

She is also survived by 2 sisters Martha & Phyllis; as well as numerous nieces & nephews.

Rose was predeceased by Harry, her loving husband of 45 years, in 1998; parents Thea & Tarold Aarbo; siblings Alfield, Jens, Martin, Lillian & Jeanette; son-in-law Randy; & grandson Chris.

Rose was born, June 2, 1918, at the farm of her parents, Thea & Tarold Aarbo, who were pioneers that raised their family of 8 children on a homestead 2 miles east of Elk Point. Rose had many fond memories of her childhood … from birthdays and Christmases with home-made gifts, doing chores, and playing with her siblings. Rose attended school until grade nine, first at the school kitty corner to the homestead and later traveling by horse to Elk Point School. After school Rose did housework for neighbors, until going to Edmonton with friends to work at GWG Jean Factory. During the war, Rose and a few friends went to Fort William to make airplanes such as the Spitfire. She was a rivetter. After the war she returned to Camrose where she was a nanny for the Olsen family. She exchanged Christmas letters with them as long as we can remember.

In 1953 she was courted by Harry Blacklock, and on November 28, 1953 they were married. August 31 1954 they had their first child, Jennifer. A couple of years later Grace was born on February 13, 1956, and three years later their family was completed with the birth of their son, Harry on June 29, 1959. Rose and Harry raised their family on their farm 8 miles east of Elk Point. Through milk cows, selling cream and crops, etc. they made a comfortable living.

Rose always had a big garden to feed the family for the year. Rose’s job was to separate the cream from the milk and she kept the household running smoothly. Her children and grandchildren remember favorite meals and dishes she made, The grandchildren each received a quilt made by Gramma with their names on it.

In 1980 Harry and Rose sold the farm and moved to St. Paul, Alberta for their retirement.  After moving to St. Paul they took bus tour trips to Alaska, Newfoundland, P.E.I., New York and Niagara Falls. Later they bought a boat and camper and camped every year with family. Just this July Rose spent 2 weeks at Garnier Lake with family, camping.

When her husband Harry passed away in February of 1998, she then maintained her home for another 9 years on her own. She sold her home in 2007 and began living alternately with each of her 3 children. Living with each of her children, Rose attended grads, birthdays, weddings, Christmases and Christmas concerts etc. Rose was able to stay an active part of the family and interact with each of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, receiving many hugs and snuggles from all.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, September 2 at 12:00 p.m. at Grace Gardens Funeral Chapel, St. Paul. Pastor Kelly Sibley will be officiating, with interment in Mooswa Cemetery, Lindbergh. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Elk Point Palliative Care c/o 5626-51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1.

To send condolences online, please visit www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com.

GRACE GARDENS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1 780-645-2677