Merle Smillie of Moose Jaw passed away peacefully on January 16, 2017. Merle was raised in what she referred to as “the bush” in Northern Manitoba, where her dad was a Conservation Officer. Merle moved to Winnipeg to attend high school and boarded with family friends there. After high school she joined the RCAF and it was there she met her husband Ron Smillie. She left the forces in 1956 when she married Ron. Ron and Merle lived on many different bases in Canada and Europe during Ron’s career with the RCAF. Merle kept busy raising their three children and working as a civilian on the base. Merle was an avid gardener, growing and preserving many fruits and vegetable to share. She was a fantastic cook and baker, always making fresh bread for her family to enjoy. Merle liked to golf, curl and bowl in her younger years. Knitting and crocheting were hobbies to her most of her life. She is predeceased by her husband Ron in 2010; parents Helen and Arthur Shannon; sister Ouida (Fred) and brother Melvin. Merle will be sadly missed by her son Shell (Judy); daughters Cheryl (Dennis) and Sandra (Berny); grandchildren Jeremy, Josh (Trish), Mary-Ann, Christopher (Nicole), Darrell (Brandi), Leanne (Ken); great grandchildren Caleb, Brady, Quinton, Landon, Lyla and Parker. In keeping with the family wishes there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 2 Wintergreen Dr, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 1M9. The family would like to send special thanks to Dr. Kirsty Sanderson and the nurses and staff of the medical floor at the F.H. Wigmore Hospital. In living memory of Merle, a memorial planting will be made by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).
Stephanie Lowe - Funeral Director