The Paton family is saddened to announce the death of their beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother Viola Frances May Paton. Viola was surrounded by her loved ones when she passed away at the Elk Valley Hospital on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at the age of 93 years.
“Oly” was born in the Glenvern District, south of Ponteix, Saskatchewan to parents
Oliver and Gladys Laybourne on November 6, 1918. Viola was raised on the farm and developed a love of animals, flowers, nature and even weeds at a very young age and stayed with her all her life. She loved the visits from the deer, bears and many birds that dropped by her home.
In 1940, Viola married the love of her life, Will Paton and together they had 8 children. They moved around a lot when the children were growing up but Viola was happiest to move back to the mountains in 1971, saying she felt like she was coming home when they settled in Elkford. She was a devoted mother and wife, a good listener and a great friend.
Viola took many secrets with her when she left our lives and will be greatly missed by her sons: Lawrence, Wendel (Maria), Harley (Jan) and Colin (Deb), as well as her daughters; Gail (Norman) Finlay, Sandy (Dale) Blohm and Maureen (Phil) Henri. Also left to mourn her passing are 17 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and one great, great grandson. Her brothers Ron (Phoebe), Norman (Jackie) Laybourne and sister June Birkedal will also miss their sisters wit and sense of humor.
Viola was predeceased by her parents, husband Will, daughter Myrna, daughter in law Marlene, sister Nora Deadmarsh and brother Vic Laybourne. Memorial Services were held on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at the Elk Valley Congregational Church in Elkford with Kay Bottolfson officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.