Iva Lee Fulton-Willier , 1958 - 2001

Iva Lee Fulton-Willier was born May 11, 1958 in Spokane, Washington. She was the youngest of four children born to Wilgus and Merle Fulton. She spent her younger years with her mother in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming and the Dakotas. After the age of 10, she lived with her father and stepmother Ann, her brother and younger sister in Sunset House and Guy, Alta. The family moved a lot when Iva was a young child. Iva loved to pretend and use her imagination a lot. She spent a lot of time by herself and would spend hours building forts and just wandering around. She loved the wilderness - in her own words "The Bush" - to watch the birds and beavers and squirrels. Her father taught her to ride horses, which she loved. She had many duties as a young girl. There were the horses and cows to feed, the cows to milk, the wood to chop and rocks to pick. Iva became very independent and resourceful as a young girl - and this - plus the fact that she could find humour in most situations helped her become the special, caring person she was. Iva finished high school in McLennan while living with her sister Brenda and Brenda's children. After high school, Ivan attended AVC Grouard and completed the Secretarial Arts course. While attending AVC she met James Loyie. Iva and James had three children: Cori, Andrew and Michelle. While living in Salt Prairie, Iva successfully completed the Licensed Practical Nurse program. After graduation, Iva worked in the High Prairie hospital for seven years and then in the medical office of Dr. Ray Howard. Two years ago Iva began working at the Sucker Creek Women's Emergency Shelter where she was greatly valued for her compassionate and efficient manner. Ten years ago Iva began a loving relationship with Kenny Willier. They became a loving family with Cori, Andrew, Michelle and later with Cori's addition, D.J. Iva and Kenny were married May 17, 2000 in Las Vegas. Iva has been described as "the strongest and most loving person I know, both physically and emotionally" -- (this by by wife who was a friend, co-worker, and also one of her nursing instructors.) Dr. Howard said how "caring Iva was and this was reflected in everything she did." Co-workers at the shelter have said, "Iva was everybody's rock" and that "she always went the extra mile." Also, Iva had such positive energy that radiated from her and she bonded with everyone. Iva was completely dedicated to her family and was an especially loving mother and grandmother, often putting them ahead of herself and yet always had time to listen to and help others. Iva was a very spiritual person, believing strongly in Jesus Christ and Guides - Spirits - and Angels of which she read a lot. The following are lessons Iva recalled and wrote down for her children: 1. Never take anything for granted. 2. Never believe bad things can't happen to me or my family. 3. Everyone lives, everyone dies. No one knows when their time is up. 4. Things happen for a reason. 5. You must learn from your mistakes and try never to repeat them. 6. Don't be a quitter. 7. Don't give up. 8. Pray to God and your Guardian Angels, and if you are sincere you will be answered. This, in my mind, reflects her philosophy of life itself. Iva wrote, and I quote, "After I grew up and had kids of my own, I made up this prayer and say it faithfully every night." "Please God, surround this home with Your beautiful light. Please fill it with Your bright light, Your love, goodness and kindness. May we take these gifts You share with us so we can share them with others who come into contact with us. "Dear God, please surround Cori, Andrew, Michelle and D.J. with your beautiful light. Please let them grow up to be good, kind adults with lots of love and caring for each other and others. Keep them healthy, safe, and guide them through each day. "Please let Kenny, Cori, Andrew, Michelle and D.J.'s Guardian Angels sit upon their shoulders and keep them safe. Please don't let any harm come to them." While performing a service for others on Friday, Jan. 5, 2001, Iva, Andrew and D.J. were tragically taken from us. We will all miss the physical presence of this petite, quiet, wise beyond her years girl, but we can be sure she will be tidying up and organizing things in heaven and giving Andrew and D.J. chores to do while watching over us. Our sympathy to Kenny, Cori, Michelle, Iva's parents, sisters, brother, nieces, nephews and all her family and friends. Iva leaves to mourn: her husband Kenny; daughters Cori and Michelle; her parents; sisters Brenda (Leonard Sahlin), Judy, Jody and brother Andrew (Margo Fulton); along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and her many, many friends.