Donnelda CHALLNER

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CHALLNER: Donnelda Jean Challner (nee McKee) passed away peacefully on November 3, 2018 at the Boissevain Health Centre with her husband, Bill, and sons, Tim and Dave by her side. Donnelda was predeceased by her parents, and Bill’s parents, her sisters Beatrice Olson and Bernice McKee, brothers-in-law, Eddie Olson, John Adamson, Bob Tufts, Willard Evans, Elgin Knight, Ron Challner, and nephew Darren McKee. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, William Challner, son Tim and family (Tracy, Zackery and Colton) all of Boissevain, and son Dave and family (Sharla and Bauer) of Virden, sisters Fay Adamson and Olive Tufts, both of Boissevain, brother Jack McKee currently in Birtle, and Bill’s family Shirley Evans, Donald (Betty) Challner, Louise (Gerry) Little, George (Karen) Challner, Tom (Francis) Challner, Marilyn (Wally) Wiens, Norma Knight, Judy Challner, and many nieces and nephews. All were so precious to her. Donnelda was born February 10, 1942 in the Deloraine Hospital to David Henry McKee and Mary Thelma Alberts. She was raised in the Mountainside area and attended school there through grade 11. She lost her dad in 1955 at the age of 13 and was raised by her mom after that, with help from her sisters and brother. Her first job was child care, and she always said that housekeeping went along with that. On April 6, 1963 Donnelda married the love of her life, William Albert Challner of the Horton/Lake Max District. They had met at a dance that she had gone to with her brother. They were married in Boissevain in St. Paul’s United Church. Their first home was on S.W. 9-2-20W. In December of 1968 Bill and Donnelda moved to the International Peace Garden. Her biggest desire in life was always to be a mother but had been told by doctors that they couldn’t have children as she could not carry them to term. Shortly after this, they took in their nephews Darren and Mark Challner for a year. It was after that they started looking at adoption. While residing at the Peace Garden, regular trips were made to the farm. Bill would work and Donnelda would often go to a certain large rock where she would sit and pray for a family of her own. On one of these occasions, she talked of feeling a warmth on her shoulder and a feeling came over her that everything was going to be okay. She figured the warmth was from the sun, but when she looked up, the sun was in a different direction altogether. A physical mark resembling a finger print remained on Donnelda’s shoulder from that day forward and she believed heart and soul that it was from the touch of Jesus. Throughout the years Donnelda’s strength and determination won over the odds against her. This began in September of 1972 when her eldest son, Tim was born. Yet again in August of 1975 when her youngest, Dave was born. Donnelda was always proud of her boys and supported them in all that they done. She made sure they got to their practices, lessons and games and was always there cheering them on and praying for them. In 1999 they left the Peace Garden and moved to the home farm on S.W. 4-2-20W. Donnelda enjoyed gardening and always had meals ready. She loved to watch the animals graze nearby. One of her hobbies was bird watching, which meant the farm was full of bird feeders. She could name many species of birds and looked forward to them returning each spring. Donnelda also enjoyed fishing, bowling, going to church and loved going out for meals. Her favorite meal was a shrimp dinner. She was never a social butterfly, but loved her friends dearly. In February 2003 Bill and Donnelda were blessed with their first grandson Zack. In November of that year, Donnelda’s health was fading. She refused to go to the doctor as she said there was no way she was going to miss his first Christmas. Shortly after Christmas she was admitted to the BRHC. There were several times there when the doctors had said there was nothing else they could do, and figured she would not survive. One nurse had told her if she wanted to see her grandson grow up she had better get up and get moving. She was then given the poem “Don’t Quit”. She beat the odds and after about 6 months between Brandon and Boissevain Hospitals she returned home. In July 2005 their second grandson Colton was born. In March of 2013 their family was complete with their final grandson Bauer. Donnelda could always be seen at the rink or ball diamond, proudly watching her grandchildren when her health allowed, and was looking forward to watching Bauer play hockey this winter. June 1, 2015 with continuing health issues, Bill and Donnelda moved into their apartment in Boissevain where they have made many precious friends who watched over them, and vice versa. On November 2, 2017, Donnelda attended the BRHC for an examination. Bill was in the waiting room and heard his name called. He rushed to Donnelda where he found her collapsed. She said “I hurt” and went limp as her heart had stopped. Bill quickly went to the door and said “We need help in here fast!” He said he has no idea where everyone came from but they were there in the blink of an eye. The doctors and nurses got her heart going 8 minutes later, and Bill heard them say it is going, but not for long. Again, fighting the odds, several months later she was home again. Donnelda’s strength and determination came from her desire to watch her grandchildren grow up. The next year was full of ups and downs with regular hospital stays and many doctors’ visits, usually hearing the same thing, “There is nothing more we can do for you.” On October 29, 2018 she was admitted one final time to the Boissevain Health Center as her kidneys were starting to shut down. This was the first time she appeared defeated. Donnelda loved her family dearly, and she had a special place in her heart for the doctors and nurses who cared for her. She was a very strong lady and extremely determined. She will be dearly missed by a large family and many dear friends. Funeral services were held November 8, 2018 at St. Paul’s United Church in Boissevain. Officiating were Rev. Rolanda Taylor of St. Paul’s United Church and Pastor Geoff Unrau of the Boissevain Mennonite Brethren Church, pianist was Brenda Lyons. Donnelda’s sons and grandsons carried their hockey sticks into the service and placed them at the Urn as a testament to her faithful interest in their activities, during the hymn, “Jesus, You Have Come to the Lakeshore.” This was followed by the Opening Words, Words of Welcome and the lighting of the Christ Candle. The next hymn was “The Old Rugged Cross” followed by Tim Challner leading everyone in the “Lord’s Prayer.” Pastor Geoff Unrau read the Eulogy and shared in the Scripture Readings with Rev. Rolanda Taylor. The final hymn was “Amazing Grace.” Following the service, her oldest son Tim, carried the Urn out of the Church with Bill and Dave and family following behind for support, to the playing of “Kiss an Angel Good Morning.” Interment followed at the Boissevain Cemetery and a time of visitation and refreshments at the Boissevain Community Centre.Wheatland Funeral Service204-523-7791 www.wheatlandfs.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Nov 24, 2018