Martha Rawling’s parents and four siblings emigrated from Denmark to the pioneer village of Dickson Alberta in the 1920’s with hopes of a new life and a brighter future. Martha was born a short time later, a child of the new land and a symbol of that hope. She was raised and nurtured in a loving Christian family on the banks of the Red Deer River where her parents cleared land and started a small farm. Though times were hard and they often went without, Martha’s childhood memories were fondly cherished.
Martha met Elmer Rawling at a church youth event in Camrose Alberta, and it was love at first sight. Sadly, Elmer had to board the bus for Saskatoon that afternoon, and Martha was distraught as she was sure she would never see him again. A short time after a sad goodbye, Elmer showed up at her side and asked if she had time to show him around town. He’d jumped off the bus just before it took off and blown off his job in Saskatoon, as he knew he just had to get that girl.
Choosing the girl over the job prove a good decision, and after getting married in Camrose, they embarked on a life full of adventures, which included time spent in Nigeria as missionaries. They raised five children, Eleanor, Doug, Marlene, (born in Nigeria), Vivian, and Bruce.
Elmer and Martha’s last years together were spent on the morning side of the Livingstone Mountains west of Pincher Creek. Always a team, they worked together to build a home and log cabins for a family retreat center. Elmer passed away in January 2002, and the retreat center was taken over by Wilderness Ranch.
Martha later met and married Garnet Leach, a retired pastor from Calgary who had also lost his first spouse. They shared some full and happy years together before Martha’s Alzheimer’s forced an involuntary separation. Martha’s final days were spent at Vista Village where she received wonderful, companionate care from an incredible staff. Her family was blessed to be able to gather to wish her goodbye, and she went to be with her Lord who she served so faithfully on the morning of September 12, 2018.
Donations may be made to:
Alberta Cancer Foundation
300, 1620 29th Street NW, Calgary AB T2N 4L7
Web: albertacancer.ca/page.aspx?pid=7756
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Martha Andersen Rawling October 27 1930 September 12 2018 (age 87)..
Décès pour la Ville: Fort-Macleod, Province: Alberta
