Obituary of Shirley Ann Gartner

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of Shirley Ann Gartner, who passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, at the Provost Long Term Care Centre at the age of 78 years.

Shirley was born on November 22, 1947, in Unity, Saskatchewan, to Charles and Lillian Gibbens. She was the eldest of four daughters: Shirley, Charlene, Judy, and Gail. As the oldest, Shirley was always willing to lend a hand on the family farm, working alongside her father with everything from harvesting to baling hay and whatever else needed to be done.

As a young girl, Shirley became involved in the 4H movement, where she enjoyed showing her calf and fondly remembered a group trip to Iowa.

She attended Ruth School through Grade 8 before completing her high school education in Unity, Saskatchewan.

It was at a school dance that Shirley met the young man she would spend the rest of her life with. Shirley and Alex were married on July 17, 1967, beginning a beautiful life together built on love, family, and shared adventures.

Their daughter, Leslie, was born on March 9, 1970, in Unity, Saskatchewan. Just one week later, the young family moved to Provost, Alberta, where they would build the life they called home. Their family was completed on April 1, 1972, with the arrival of their son, Blair. Alex always had a difficult time convincing family and friends that their son had actually been born on April Fool's Day.

Shirley found great joy in caring for her home and family. She loved tending a large garden and a yard overflowing with beautiful flowers. She spent countless hours in the kitchen baking for family and friends and became especially well known for her homemade egg noodles, which were enjoyed by loved ones throughout Western Canada, from Regina and Saskatoon to Edmonton and Calgary.

Knitting and crocheting filled many of Shirley's quiet moments. Baby blankets and dishcloths became her specialties, and she took particular pride in creating blankets for her grandchildren, as well as for the newest additions of relatives and friends.

Alex and Shirley shared a love of travel and created many wonderful memories together. They visited Mexico and Hawaii three times, toured Germany, Italy, and Switzerland, and spent 14 winters in Indio, California. One of the highlights of their travels was having the opportunity to attend an audience with the Pope.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Provost Medical Centre and Provost Long Term Care Centre for the compassionate care Shirley received over the years. A special thank you is extended to Dr. Malan, whose many home visits and unwavering care went above and beyond. Shirley truly appreciated everything you did for her.

Shirley will be lovingly remembered by her husband of nearly 59 years, Alex; her children, Leslie Siefert (Ken) and Blair Gartner (Darlene); her grandchildren, Brandon Siefert, Taylor Siefert, Mackenzie Gartner, and Hailey Gartner; her sisters, Judy Swerid (Larry) and Gail Dettling (Ken); her cousin, Bob Gibbens (Donna); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Lillian Gibbens; her sister, Charlene; her brother by heart, George Sherwood; and many cherished brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

A memorial service will be held for Shirley on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Provost, Alberta with Father Avinash Francis SAC officiating. Interment to follow at the Provost Cemetery.