Mrs. Mary ‘Elaine’ Burkholder (nee Tingley) of Red Deer, Alberta passed away peacefully in her home, Wednesday, November 20, 2019 in her 85th year. She was born in Grenfell, Saskatchewan to Roy and Dorothy Tingley on March 30, 1934. Elaine attended a Rural School near Grenfell for her Elementary and Junior High, making the trek on horseback. Elaine took her High School at Grenfell High School, where she boarded in town. From there, Elaine went on to Normal School in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan to receive her Teaching Certificate. Her first year saw teaching in a Multi-Grade classroom at Sintaluta, Saskatchewan followed by several years teaching in a One Grade classroom in a larger centre, both East of Regina, Saskatchewan. Elaine married George Burkholder of Burlington, Ontario in 1955. Together they successfully operated a Dairy, Feed, Grain and Vegetable Farm. While there, Elaine taught for several years in Milton, Ontario. She also spent two years teaching in a school for the deaf, a challenge for sure. In 1972, George and Elaine sold their farm and moved to the Red Deer/Sylvan Lake Area until 1975, when they bought a farm near Eckville, Alberta. For sixteen years, Elaine continued to be a full partner in the farm, until she and George retired to Sylvan Lake. They enjoyed a wonderful life spending summers in Sylvan Lake and winters in Arizona, for some thirty years. During their sixty-four years together, Elaine and George did everything together, and when not working, found time to travel and golf, at which Elaine had the distinction of shooting a hole in one. Elaine was a long time member of the Royal Purple and was an Honored Royal Lady. Elaine had a passion to be outdoors where her garden and yard reflected her talented green thumb. Ceramics was a favorite hobby, which Elaine also taught. Being a devout Christian with a loving, caring and generous heart, she spent many years volunteering with St. Mary’s and St. Timothy Anglican Church in Sylvan Lake; including being the organist and treasurer, amongst other roles. Elaine will be so sorely missed but lovingly remembered by her husband, George, her sister, Vera of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and her brother, Bill of Regina, Saskatchewan; along with numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. Elaine was predeceased by her parents, William and Dorothy. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Leonard’s On The Hill Anglican Church on a date to be announced, 4241 – 44 Street, Red Deer with The Reverend Chris Roth and The Reverend Ethel English Officiating. If desired, Memorial Donations in Elaine’s honor may be made directly to a Charity of the Donor’s choice.

• Date : 2019-11-20
• Location : Red Deer