Elizabeth “Betty” Stickel (nee Reitan), of Red Deer, Alberta, passed away on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at the age of 78 years following a courageous battle with lung disease.

Born in Toronto, Ontario, on June 6, 1947, to Irvin and Anna Reitan, Betty was the eldest of four children. Her childhood was spent across various communities, including Dryden, Birch Hills, Droxford, and Turtleford, before she pursued her LPN training in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. While attending the Baptist Leadership Training School (BLTS) in Calgary, Betty met the love of her life, Wes Stickel. After a year of correspondence, they became engaged in a uniquely memorable way: on Christmas Day 1969, in a Las Vegas parking lot outside the “Las Vegas Club,” simply because it was the only place quiet enough to hear one another. They were married in Edmonton on September 5, 1970, eventually settling in Red Deer to raise their three children.

Betty dedicated her career to helping others as an LPN Home Support Aide with the David Thompson Health Region. Her servant’s heart extended into her retirement through her work coordinating workshops to make “Smile Dresses” for children in need around the world through Samaritan’s Purse, and mission organizations in Greece, Mexico, Bolivia, and Africa. A faithful member of First Baptist Church Red Deer since the 1970s, she served as a deaconess, Sunday School teacher, and worship leader. A woman of immense talent and style, Betty was rarely without a project. She was an expert in needlework, sewing, and upholstery, often crafting her own wardrobe with bold prints and signature classy hats. She was equally known for her hospitality and skill in the kitchen.

Her deep faith, rooted in her upbringing as a pastor’s daughter, was the cornerstone of her life. Betty is lovingly remembered by her husband, Wes; children, Alexander (Marta) Stickel, Katherine Stickel, and Charlene (Troy) Popma; grandchildren, Ariela, Andre, Denise, and Oliver. She also leaves behind her siblings, Joyce (Bob) Rhead, John (Betty) Reitan, and Philip Reitan. She was predeceased by her parents, Irvin and Anna Reitan.

Interment will take place at the Fairfield Cemetery AB (near Brownfield AB) on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 1:00 pm

A Memorial Service will be held at the First Baptist Church, 4310 – 39 St, Red Deer AB on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Lending Cupboard Society
1, 7803 – 50 Ave. Red Deer AB  T4P 1M8 or a charity of your choice.

Condolences to Betty’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Betty Stickel” in the subject line.

 

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944

• Date : 0226-01-29
• Location : Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, Red Deer AB "Locally Owned"