Shirley Ruth (Lovell) Gattey

Forever our light.

“If life is measured in love, then we have all the wealth we need because of her”.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mrs. Shirley Ruth Gattey of Consort, Alberta, at the Consort Health Centre on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at the age of 92 years. Shirley grew up barefoot, playing on a farm in Saskatchewan. Her mom had flaming red hair and a disposition to match; her father had a soft warmth and joking manner. Maybe that is where she found her humour, patience, resilience and love of company. These traits took her through many joyful and challenging times. Shirley was born the middle child to Jim and Ruth (nee Coles) Lovell of Wynyard, Saskatchewan between siblings, Ray (1925) and Rema (1936). She was a strong young woman and left home at sixteen, to become a nanny/housekeeper at Manitou Lake, Saskatchewan. After a time, she had enough money to catch a train to Cereal, Alberta; where she answered an Ad in the paper looking for a Ward Aid, at the Hospital. Shirley talked of many good times, nights out and friends made while working there. She soon met and married Ronald Barrack on June 16, 1951. Together they raised three daughters, Carolynne, Catherine and Sherry, on the farm north of Cereal. Shirley worked hard on the farm and loved the outdoors. In the winter of 1977, Shirley and the girls lost Ronald to cancer, but she never forget the true love they had. She stayed farming for a time with the help of her family and friends, until her daughter Carolynne and Gordon took over. Shirley found a new love in Frank Gattey and they were married on June 10, 1989 “up on the hill” at Cross Bar Ranch, north of Consort. The two were inseparable and a great match, enjoying travel and entertaining until Frank’s passing July 29, 1992. The ranch had become home to Shirley; and she remained there for several years before moving to Consort. With her move to Consort Lodge, she spent lovely days with the ladies of the West Wing”, enjoying coffee visits, cards and many happy hours tending her flower gardens, and the outdoors. Shirley took a deep interest in her grandchildren and great grandchildren; there was never a phone conversation with family that didn’t include asking how the children were. A natural relationship builder, Shirley made many friends and found a dear friend in Aggie. The two became inseparable; and their laughter, fun and a little trouble was always appreciated by those around them. While her light will stay with us, she will be missed by friends and family. Shirley is loved and remembered by Carolynne (Ken); Christie (Winston), Keatan, Regan, Brice and Logan; Gaylene (Len), Jaxon, Triston, Paislee; Catherine (Garry, deceased), Kendall (Jodi), Daylen, Bentley; Michelle (Dave), Gavin, Cierra, Sherry (Rob); Shawna (Cory) Dawson, Danica, Sherri (Blair), Breanne, Trevor, Eberlee, Bexton, Bailee, Jed, Jace, Brittney, Wyatt and Brenna. As well as special friends, Aggie, Ladies of the West Wing, Sheila and Marion. The Gatteys: Joan (Dale), Nicole, (Derek), Spencer, Madison; Trevor (Leah), Steele, Sloane; Troy (Brenna), Willa; John (Cindy), Justin (Abbie), Jaxen, Kelby, Brandon, Meagan; Lynn (Ron, deceased), Stacy (Tiffany), Rylee, Colt; Shanley (Mike), Dorris, Maddison, Karsyn; Dyan (Richard), Kelva, Camm, Baylee, Theo, Harriet, Marley; Bristow (Ureisha), Braille, Archibald, Elvie; Drucila (Chris), Ruby and Herbert. The families of Shirley would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff at the Consort Hospital and Care Centre for the special care and kindness shown to her while there; as well as the community for the many gifts of love, food and flowers, which were so very much appreciated. Thank you to Pastor Daryl and Pat for travelling so far to fulfill Shirley’s wishes. If desired, Memorial Donations in Shirley’s honor may be made directly to the Gem Centre, 5225 - 47 Street, Consort, Alberta, T0C 1B0. Shirley was an avid supporter of the Gem Centre and loved to play cards with friends. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.coronationfuneralhome.ca. Arrangements in care of Coronation Funeral Home, Coronation, Alberta. Phone: 403.578.2928.