Mrs. Sheila Sue Gehrke

Sheila Gehrke of High River, Alberta passed away peacefully at the High River Hospital surrounded by her family, on June 29, 2022 at the age of 82 years. Sheila is survived by her loving husband Allan, her son Ray (Darlene), her daughters Colleen (Bob), and Carol (Jim). She is survived by three grandchildren Randahl (Darien), Christy (Bryan), Garrett (Sam), and four great grandchildren; Oliver, Sawyer, Preslie, and Trae. Sheila is also survived by her sisters Mary (Max), Leslie (Larry), and brother Grant (Sharon), as well as many nieces and nephews. Sheila was born in High River, Alberta to Katherine and Leo Cooke and raised on the family farm north of Herronton. Her early school years were spent in Herronton and her high school years in Mossleigh. It was in Mossleigh that mom met the love of her life Allan. Mom and dad were married in August of 1957 and together created a loving family and over 64 years of memories. Mom was a women of many talents and amassed a large circle of loyal friends. Whether it was bowling, golfing, teaching Sunday school, score keeping for the Mossleigh Giants mixed slow pitch team, attending Okotoks Dawgs baseball games, running the combine, or supporting Allan in his trapshooting endeavors, her sense of adventure, sharp wit, and light hearted nature drew people to her. In addition to her social and volunteer activities, mom was an avid gardener well into her eighties. She enjoyed tending her veggie garden at the Sheppard Family Park Community Gardens and the flower beds around her and Allan's home. Mom was also a highly skilled seamstress, painter, musician, and crafts person. When her children were young, her sewing consisted mainly of clothes for the kids or contract projects such as bridesmaid dresses, but when her and Allan retired from farming in 1998 and moved to High River, she continued her love of sewing working at Chinook Fabrics and Carla's Draperies. Mom was accomplished at just about anything she decided to try a hand at, and whether it be a quilting, knitting, crochet, or a needlepoint project, she was certain to make sure her great grandchildren all had keepsakes made by her. Mom also enjoyed playing the piano, guitar, and the accordion. In addition to being involved in the lives of their children and their families, Sheila and Allan enjoyed traveling and their two favorite destinations were Hawaii and their timeshare in Whitefish, Montana. They enjoyed sharing their Montana cabin with family and mom's happy place was on the beach with a good book, feeling the sand between her toes. Sheila's tenacious spirit and strength when facing adversity were tested in the last few weeks of her life; but in true mom style, she never lost her sense of humor or her desire to support those she loved. Rest in peace mom. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the High River District Health Care Foundation, (www.highriverhealthfoundation.ca) or to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (www.albertacancer.ca). A Celebration of Sheila's Life will be held at the High River United Church on Thursday, July 7th at 1:30 pm. For those unable to attend the service a livestreamed video will be available at www.lylereeves.com . To send condolences please visit www.lylereeves.com . Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (403) 652-4242

Tributes

Mrs. Sheila Sue Gehrke

June 26, 1940 - June 29, 2022