passed away on July 31, 2014. She was born on August 30, 1921 in Souris, Manitoba, the youngest and only one of nine siblings to be born in a hospital.
She was predeceased by her husband, Lavern Cheney, and by her nine brothers and sisters, Margaret (Etrick) White, Bill (Milda), George (Lydia), Roberta (Gordon) Crane, Jimmy (Margaret), Charlie, Angus (Eileen), and Jean (Robert) Radtke. She is lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews and by Craig Horslund, a steadfast friend who offered a helping hand to both Inez and Vern in their later years.
Inez was raised on a homestead near Limerick, Saskatchewan where she lived in a sod house until they moved into the new house, which had more room and was wired for electricity. She attended Hewson School, Limerick High, and Moose Jaw Normal School, teaching in a one-room school in Saskatchewan for a brief time. After the war, Vern moved to Trail and found work with CM&S, and Inez followed. They were married in Trail on September 22, 1947. Their first home was a tiny apartment above a store on Bay Avenue, followed by the little green cabins (now beige) in East Trail. They built their own home in Montrose, moving there in 1957. There, they welcomed family and friends for 54 years. Her nieces and nephews (and no doubt friends and neighbours too) have many fond memories of visits that invariably included generous hospitality, delicious food, a game of cards, and usually, something to take home (maybe lemon loaf, home-made jam, or a box of pears from the tree in the backyard).
In the early years, Inez worked at Woolworth’s in Trail and Johnson’s corner store in Montrose. She was a dedicated member of the United Church and very involved in the United Church Women’s group, contributing baking and well-made crafts to teas and other church events and special occasions as well as giving of her time to work in the kitchen or do what was needed. She also volunteered at the thrift shop in Fruitvale for many years. She was an avid reader, excellent cook (and baker), and handicrafter extraordinaire. A humble person, who generously gave to others but did not seek the spotlight, she was known for her sweet smile and love of singing. She accepted the challenges of her age with grace and calm.
In her later years, she and Uncle Vern moved to Mountainside Village in Fruitvale, and most recently, Auntie lived at Columbia View Lodge. The family would like to thank the staff there for their exceptional care and attention.
A Memorial Service to remember Inez will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at Beaver Valley United Church in Fruitvale with Reverend Michael Hare officiating. Inurnment will be held at the Fruitvale Memorial Cemetery.
As an expression of sympathy, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.