KNUDTSON Letha Bell Letha was born to Henry and Matilda Felzien at St. Francis, Kansas on September 21, 1923 and passed away peacefully at Louise Jensen Care Center, Camrose, Alberta on May 24, 2009 at the age of 85 years. Letha moved to Canada with her family in April of 1931, traveling in a 1928 Chevrolet one ton truck. The eight kids rode in the back with all of the family's possessions and their dog "Old Shep". This journey took a full week and covered about 1800 miles, finally arriving at their new home north east of Forestburg where her grandfather farmed. Letha attended the Harrisview country school where she completed grade 8. She then stayed with and worked for their minister. In 1939, Letha moved with the minister's family to Camrose when he went to teach at CLBI. At the encouragement of her family Mom attended CLBI until the winter of 1940. It was during this time she met her husband to be, Gordon. They were married Feb. 1, 1942. They rented a quarter of land north of Donalda where Gordon began a career in farming and Mom a career as a homemaker, gardener, and mother. Letha was an active member in the Bethany Lutheran Church north of Donalda where she developed many lifelong friendships. Letha also joined the Camrose Garden Club and was an active member for a number of years. Mom loved nurturing her garden, flower beds, and fruit orchard which all responded by giving back food in abundance, and beauty in season. Mom was happiest of all when family and friends gathered around her table and she was able to share the fruits of her labour. Mom cherished visits from her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends. Letha is survived by her six children and their spouses: Carol and Joe Gorsalitz, Dan and Jean (Beebe), Dennis and Ruby (Hagen), Lester and Barb (Holden), Robert and Cathy (Allen), and Corrine and Rod Roste; seventeen grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; one sister, Vera (Vern) Kubbernus; three brothers, Irvin (Charlotte); Warren (Treva); Ernie (Barb); and sister-in-laws Irene, Betty, and Janice. Letha was predeceased by her husband, Gordon; her parents, Henry and Matilda; five brothers, Reuben, Willis, Louis, Wayne, and Merlyn; one sister, Hazel; one sister-in-law, Maggie; and one brother-in-law, Orville. Funeral services were held on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 2:00PM from Messiah Lutheran Church in Camrose with Rev. Paul Knudtson officiating. Interment was held prior to the service on Saturday May 30, 2009 at 10:30am in the Bethany Donalda Cemetery north of Donalda, Alberta. Memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to C.L.B.I. or a charity of one's choice. BURGAR FUNERAL HOME in care of arrangements. 780-672-2121 To send condolences please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com