SHANTZ 1909 - 2008 Mr. Emerson Ross Shantz of Red Deer, AB passed away on March 3, 2008 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre at 98 years of age. Born at home in Didsbury, AB July 26, 1909, Emerson considered Didsbury his true home and the Evangelical Missionary Church his church home. He fell in love with Pearl Jackson of Galahad, a fellow student at Mountain View Bible School, and they married in 1935. Emerson was a teacher by profession and a farmer by vocation. After teaching in various communities, he purchased his parents' farm in 1950 and settled there with his family. In 1975 he retired from 39 years of teaching and administration, the last 24 years at the Carstairs School. Many former students remember him as their high school math or social studies teacher. Following retirement, Emerson and Pearl enjoyed extensive traveling and built friendships around the world. He continued farming until his 85th year and was Pearl's devoted caregiver during her last years. In 1998 he moved to the new Victoria Park Retirement Residence in Red Deer, where he was near three of his children, made many new friends and became part of the CrossRoads Evangelical Missionary Church family. He remained active and well until entering hospital for facial surgery and died six weeks later from post-operative complications. Emerson was predeceased by his wife Pearl in 1997, after 62 years of marriage, son Ronald in 1940, and son- in-law Barry Tunbridge in 2006. He was also predeceased by his parents Melanchton and Samantha Shantz, brother Clarence, and sisters Alda Brado and Marie From. Emerson's five surviving children are Shirley Shantz of Red Deer, Carol (Eldon) Neufeld of Red Deer County, Bryan (Hazel) Shantz of Sylvan Lake, Glenda Tunbridge of Edmonton and Lois (Jack) Girton of Ames, Iowa. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, sister Ruth Kasher of North Vancouver, sister-in-law Ruby Lyons of Saskatoon, nieces, nephews cousins and many friends. Emerson's children invite family and friends to join them in a Memorial Service at CrossRoads Church, 38105, Range Rd 275 (on 32 St. - Red Deer - west of highway 2), Red Deer County, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2008. Memorial donations in Emerson's honor may be directed to Missions at "EMCC World Partners", Evangelical Missionary Church of Canada, 130 Fergus Ave. Kitchener, ON N2A 4N2, or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to: MOUNTAIN VIEW FUNERAL CHAPELS 5226 - 46 Street, Olds, Alberta (403) 556-3223. Proudly serving our community for over 45 years.