Verna Ells, 1922-2005

A former long-time resident of High Prairie, Verna Ells, died Jan. 21, 2005, in Edmonton.

Verna was born in Fredericton, N.B. Nov. 28, 1922 and came to Alberta in 1944 to marry RCMP Const. Roy Ells from Rimbey. She had met Roy in Moncton where she was working in accounting for Eaton's and he was the tracking dog handler for the RCMP.

After being married in Calgary, they were stationed in Vancouver where Sharon was born and then Wetaskiwin where Barbara was born. In 1949 they made the decision to come to High Prairie to manage the Spaulding Hotel. It was the only hotel in the village of approximately 800 residents where there were wooden sidewalks, no running water and few stores. They lived here for 23 years, having two more children, Shirley and Roy, and becoming very active members of the community.

Verna was a member of the Eastern Star, Royal Purple, and the United Church where over the years she led CGIT, was the church pianist and choir leader. As an active member of the United Church Women, she helped with many a rummage sale and chicken supper. She curled in local bonspiels, led the women's team in the Fireman's Hose Laying Contests and from 1960-1963 served on High Prairie town council, only the second woman to do so.

Her boundless energy also allowed her full involvement in the daily operation of the hotel. She enjoyed the interaction with staff and the public and was a true helpmate to her husband. She took on even further responsibilities in running the hotel and raising their four children while Roy served for three terms as MLA for the Grouard Constituency from 1959-1971.

It was difficult to leave High Prairie where they had so many friends, but in 1971 they moved further north to High Level to manage the High Level Hotel which they had built in 1964. They then went on to build and operate the Sheridan Lawrence Motor Inn in Fort Vermilion before their retirement in 1978.

Because they were partners in radio station CKYL they moved to Peace River. After Roy died the following year Verna moved to Edmonton. However, she returned to High Prairie every summer to her cottage at Winagami Lake to visit family and friends. Her children will always treasure memories of her vitality, enthusiasm, sense of fun, generosity, and unlimited devotion to them.

She will be sadly missed by: her children, Sharon Ells Lucas of Ottawa, Barbara (Bill) Hindle of Red Deer, Shirley (Bart) Kuefler of High Prairie, and Roy Ells of San Diego, CA; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren; her brother, Ronald Stafford, of Fredericton.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or any charity of choice.