Mrs. Joan Eleanor Staples of Eckville, Alberta passed peacefully at West Park Lodge, Red Deer on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at the age of 81 years. Joan was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to her parents, Raymond and Eleanor ‘Nora’ Patterson on May 8, 1943. Joan was raised on a farm near Hearne, Saskatchewan with her two sisters, Ruth and Jean. After completing High School in Briercrest, Joan completed her Secretarial Science Certificate course at Balfour Technical School in Regina, Saskatchewan. She worked for the Government of Saskatchewan for several years, and then went on to complete a Certificate of Biblical Studies at Winnipeg Bible College (now Providence College) in 1969. Joan met Larry Staples at the age of nineteen years, and they tied the knot in 1969. Larry was also from the Moose Jaw area and their families knew each other well. Larry’s job eventually brought them to Calgary, Alberta. It was there that their daughter, Sheila and their son, Philip, were born. In 1977, Joan and Larry pursued their love of farming and settled on a farm just south of Eckville, Alberta. They enjoyed raising their children there with Joan eventually working part-time at the Eckville Manor House, where she enjoyed caring for the residents. Joan travelled several times to Europe with her friends, parents and sisters. She was an active member of the Benalto Baptist Church. She loved gardening, cooking, baking, and singing in various choirs and ladies’ trios. Joan often hosted family and friends at the farm, which reflected her value of relationships. Joan had a deep faith in God, and she would tell you that her faith sustained her through many challenging events in life. Joan was known for her joyful countenance and her prayers for many in need. She will be deeply missed as a loving wife and a dedicated mother and grandmother. Joan will be forever missed by her husband of fifty-three years, Larry; her children, Sheila (Ron) Soehn and Philip (Kate) Staples; and her grandchildren, Isaiah (Jenna) Staples, Declan Staples, Keenan Staples and Joanna Staples. Joan will also be sadly missed by her two sisters, Ruth Schenk and Jean (Jon) Bonk; and her many nieces and nephews. Joan was predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Eleanor Patterson; her brother-in-law, Mervin Schenk; and her daughter-in-law, Rhondi Staples. Our family is so grateful to the staff at the West Park Lodge for the excellent care Joan received. A gathering will be planned for late summer when all of Joan’s family can be there to remember her. If desired, Memorial Donations in Joan’s honour may be made directly to www.silversides.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.
Parkland Funeral Home
6287 – 67A Street, Red Deer, AB, T4P 3V9
Phone: 403.340.4040 Fax: 403.343.3033
