Mrs. Beatrice “Betty” Joan Malcolm passed away peacefully on September 12, 2025, in Innisfail,
Alberta, at the age of 89 years.
Betty was born on August 18, 1936, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Betty lived a full and spirited
life. She is lovingly remembered by her children Robert (Judy) Ruth, Cherry (John) Derksen,
and Debbie (Ed) Rieberger, Jocelyn (Ken) Nelson; nine grandchildren: Crystal Muller, Robin
Derksen, Justin Derksen, Nikki Prestlien, Courtney Birkenshaw, Kirk Rieberger, Paul, Kurt and
Kyle Nelson. Ten great-grandchildren; Sam and Kaeden Muller, Jaeden Scarff, Jayden Mueller,
Conner and Ryker Prestlien, Finlee and Millie Birkenshaw and Adeline and Malcolm Nelson.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Lee Malcolm, siblings John Spendlow, Sam
Spendlow, Doris Olsen, Ruth Balser, and former husband George Ruth.
Mom spent many years working as a waitress before retiring in 1983. Her life took a joyful turn
when, as a lighthearted joke between friends, she placed a personal ad in the Red Deer
Advocate. That ad led her to Lee Malcolm, and the two were married on July 1, 1978. Together,
they built a life on Lee’s family farm, later moving to a dairy farm in Bluffton, then to Olds, and
finally settling in Innisfail in 1994.
Mom had a passion for gardening and spent countless hours tending to her greenhouse, flower
beds and apple trees. Her vegetable garden would often produce enough to share with family
and friends. It would take them into the next year with canning and frozen vegetables.
Mom had a huge passion for sewing. She was always in her sewing room making something for
someone. Mom made all of Lee’s western shirts, Aunt Dode’s square-dancing dresses and
many outfits for her children and grandchildren. There was not a fabric sale that she did not
attend. Her sewing room is still stuffed with fabric and notions.
Mom also shared a passion for Christmas with Lee. There was not a single corner of the house
that went undecorated which led to the outside of the house as well. They often showed up on
the front page of the paper with their Christmas light displays. She was especially known in the
community for her love of holiday decorating—earning her the nickname “Mrs. Christmas.” Her
dazzling holiday displays on Water Tower Road brought joy to many, winning community
contests and leaving behind warm memories that will shine on for years to come.
Mom loved to cook! She had to host all our family gatherings throughout the years. Christmas
was by far her favorite time to bake, there was not a pie, cookie or tart that would go uneaten.
A private memorial service will be held later date.
If so desired, Memorial Donations may be made in Betty’s memory to the Innisfail Health Care Centre.
A Celebration of Betty’s life will be held at the Innisfail Historical Village on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006

• Date : 2025-09-26
• Location : (Innisfail) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com