WATTS

With sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Yvonne Evelyn Watts of Rimbey, Alberta. Yvonne experienced a decline in her health in recent weeks, quietly passing away at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre on Friday, November 3, 2023, at the age of 89 years.

Yvonne was born in Kelso, Saskatchewan on June 7, 1934, to Albert and Florence Pierlot. She was the third child of eight children raised on a pioneer farm through the Depression years. Yvonne’s family worked hard and continually aspired for a better life, eventually relocating and settling in Rimbey across the road from the Watts farm. Upon graduating high school in Rimbey, her plans of attending pharmacy school were soon derailed with the meeting of the love of her life, Bruce Watts. They were united in marriage shortly after on November 11, 1953. Yvonne and Bruce began a family and a farm. Together they raised their four children to understand the value of hard work, and the importance of a life full of experiences. Horsemanship, skiing, and enjoying the great outdoors of Alberta and British Columbia were their rewards. Sadly, Yvonne lost Bruce at a very young age, but through stoic vitality and perseverance she continued on. She raised their children with good sense and strength, and maintained the family farm for the rest of her life. Family, friends, her church, and the community were the cornerstones of life for Yvonne. She possessed a sense of duty and felt sincere enjoyment in helping others; volunteering was in her DNA. The United Church, Meals on Wheels, and checking in on countless friends and family filled her days. She will be missed by many.

Yvonne is survived by her children LeeAnne (Tim), Collin (Nita), Lyle, and Cherie; her grandchildren Marnie (Keith), Sheleen, Michael (Suzanne), Remi (Alexis), Reed (Shenelle), Tommi (James), Lazlo, Liam, Hanna, and Robert; in addition to her great-grandchildren Evie, Holden, Emma, Katie, as well as a baby boy, and a baby girl. She is also survived by her siblings Brenda (Ron) Buffel, Lorne (Patricia) Pierlot, Blain (Colleen) Pierlot, and Mary Pierlot; along with numerous nieces and nephews; several other family members; and many dear friends. Yvonne was predeceased by her loving husband Bruce in 1975; her parents Albert and Florence; and four brothers Bud, Garry, Don, and Larry.

A Memorial Service in Celebration of Yvonne’s Life was held at the Rimbey United Church on Friday, November 17, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Marco Williams-Ste-Marie officiating. A Family Interment preceded the service, at 11:00 a.m., in the Mount Auburn Cemetery, Rimbey. If desired, memorial donations in Yvonne’s memory may be made directly to the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, c/o the Rimbey Hospital Legacy Committee, Box 440, Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0 (www.rimbeyhospitallegacycommittee.com). Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page.

*The pre-recorded memorial service video for Betty is no longer available for viewing.

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Service and Cremation Arrangements for the Late Yvonne Evelyn Watts entrusted to the care of