ETHEL KRISTIANA RUNOLFSON

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ETHEL KRISTIANA RUNOLFSON Peacefully on January 28, 2010, at the Lundar Personal Care Home, Ethel Runolfson, aged 80 years of Lundar, MB passed away. Ethel was born September 23, 1929, the eldest of two children born to Kris and Lilja Jonasson who farmed in the Otto District east of Lundar. Ethel enjoyed the farm life and all that it entailed. She was a lover of animals and birds, making pets of them every chance she got. Ethel attended North Star School where she formed many life-long friendships. In 1947 Ethel married Helgi (Steve) Runolfson and together they dairy farmed west of Lundar and raised their two sons, Jim and Les. Ethel was an avid gardener and loved flowers. Every summer her yard was a sight to behold with a huge vegetable garden and many beautiful flowers. Ethel was a wonderful cook and homemaker. The coffee was always on and not without delicious goodies to go with it. Ethel was very much a people person who treasured her many friendships - her devoted letter writing was a great testament to this! Steve and Ethel retired from the farm in 1974, moving to Lundar and building a new home. Ethel joined the Royal Purple and volunteered at many community functions. Ethel and Steve enjoyed travelling with friends on bus tours and visiting family in BC. One trip they especially enjoyed was when they went to Churchill with good friends, Fusi and Ida Johannson. Good times were spent visiting with friends, family and neighbours and drives out into the country or to the lake with Ethel's favourite pet - Chinese Pug, Chico. Ethel was a devoted grandmother to her four grandsons. Many card games were enjoyed and she always had their favourite goodies on hand when they popped in for a visit. After 30 years of retirement, Ethel began the onset of Alzheimers and shortly thereafter they moved into the Seniors home. After a short stay there it was necessary for Ethel to move into the Care Home. Ethel lost the love of her life when Steve passed away June 14, 2006. Ethel leaves to mourn her two sons, Jim (Irene), Les (Marjorie) of Lundar; four grandsons, Jeff (Audrey), Greg, Allen and Ian (Becky); one great-grandson Logan; brother Stanley (Barb) Jonasson of Marquette, MB; brother-in-law Pall (Verna) Runolfson of Kelowna, BC, along with many nieces, nephews and friends. Ethel was predeceased by her parents, Kristjan (Stjani) and Lilja Jonasson and her dear husband Steve. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at the Lundar Legion Hall with Pastor Bill Watson officiating. Service will conclude at the hall with an interment to be held at the Otto Churchyard Cemetery at a later date. Special thanks to the staff at Lundar Personal Care Home and to Dr. Burnet. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations can be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 9Z9, the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba, 10 - 120 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3CL 4G2 or to the Lundar Personal Care Home Guild, in care of Kelly Granberg, Box 296, Lundar, MB R0C 1Y0. Arrangements by: ARNASON FUNERAL HOME Ashern - Lundar 1-204-768-2072 1-866-323-3593

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 01, 2010