LOUISE ANNE BILTON

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LOUISE ANNE BILTON Louise Anne Bilton, beloved wife of the late Gerald Whittiker Bilton, passed away at Souris Hospital on Tuesday, February 20, 2001 in her 85th year. Louise was born on January 27, 1917 in the house on the McBain homestead 5 miles north west of Hamiota. She was predeceased by her parents, William and Rose McBain; husbands, Allan Baillie and Gerald Bilton; her older sister Mary Mansell (Milt) younger brother Andrew McBain (Jean) and her stepson Verne Bilton. Louise attended school at Hamiota for grades 1 to 12, and graduated from Normal School in Winnipeg in 1935. During her 25 year teaching career she taught at Hagyard School, Ewart, Kenton, Hargrave, Hamiota and Hartney. Education was always important to Louise and she is fondly remembered by the many students whose lives she touched. Louise joined Grace Rebekah Lodge #3 Hamiota in 1958 and transferred to Excelsior Rebekah Lodge in 1961 becoming Noble Grand in 1971. She joined Atoimah Chapter, Hamiota, Order of the Eastern Star in 1967, transferred to Victoria Chapter #5 Hartney. Louise served as Worthy Matron for six terms and then transferred to Queen Mary Chapter #3 in Brandon in 1990. She received the Order of Chivary in 1994. Louise was a charter member of Reunion Ladies at the Austin Museum and served a two year term as president. Louise has served as past president of the Past Noble Grands Association and past president of the Past Matrons Club. She was a member of Hartney Branch of Ladies Auxiliary, has served for "Seniors Organized Services" representing all organizations in Hartney and for many years wrote The Cameron Lodge News in the HART-CAM News. She enjoyed a full and rewarding life, loved handiwork, travelling, meeting people and making friends. Family was very important to Louise - left to cherish many pleasant memories are her son Ron Baillie (Arlene) daughters, Maureen Ramage (Wayne) and Janice Palmer (Doug) stepdaughter Ollie Bilton; 11 grandchildren, Darcy, Andrea and Mark Baillie, Brad Day (Shelley) and Arla Day (Danny), Cheryl Dousselaere (Gerry), Curtis Ramage (Tracy), Stacey Richardson (Boyd), Larry Bilton, Warren Bilton (Tami), Marcie Baxter (Tim) 14 great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Will, Tristan, Stephanie, Alyssa, Courtney, Kyle, Janice, Kristen, Alex, Sydney, Randy, Sasha and Hope and one great-great-grandchild Darien. As well she was loved by many nieces and nephews. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial service was held at Hartney United Church on Friday, February 23 at 2:00, Rev. Beth MacLean officiating. Granddaughter Cheryl Dousselaere played Sara MacLaughlans "I Will Remember You" as a special tribute to Grandma and son Ron Baillie delivered the Eulogy. Friend Joyce King sang Amazing Grace. Kowalchuks Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Interment will take place at Hamiota Cemetery in the spring. At Louises request, son Ron will play Amazing Grace on the bagpipe, with a "Family Circle" around him. Do not let the Family Circle be broken. "A Mother holds her childrens hands for a little while.....their hearts forever." The family would like to express their appreciation to the doctors and staff of the Souris District Hospital for their care and support. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, contributions gratefully accepted for Cameron Lodge Inc. Donations should be directed to Town of Hartney Cameron Lodge Trust, Box 339, Hartney, MB R0M 0X0, or to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 26, 2001