Obituary of KATHLEEN ETHEL GARLOUGH

KATHLEEN ETHEL GARLOUGH-1925 ~ 2009 Kathleen Ethel Garlough, 83, passed away peacefully March 30, 2009, at Dawson Creek & District Hospital, after a two month illness. No funeral at Kay’s request. An inurnment service will be held at the Rolla Cemetery at a later date; details will be published. Born October 3, 1925, in Elm Creek, Manitoba, to Charlie & Alice Pethybridge, Kay served in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps before following her fiance, Frederick James Dresser, to the Peace River country to become a young bride. While raising her children and tending the family farm, Kay followed her passions of cooking and gardening. Her skills at baking and canning made her a mainstay in the winner’s column at Fall Fair competitions all over the district. After retiring from competition she was very much in demand as a judge of the same events she once dominated. Kay also committed her time to tirelessly canvassing for the Canadian Arthritis and Rheumatoid Society, an affliction she struggled with most of her life, while also being a long term member of the Lakeview Women’s Institute. Residents of Dawson Creek will remember seeing Kay taking her daily walks all over town, stopping for coffee and visits with friends along the way. After down sizing from her house to an apartment she was still able to practice her love of gardening by house-sitting not only friend’s houses, but their pets and gardens as well. Kay also never lost touch with her Army friends, remaining active with the Royal Canadian Legion, the annual Poppy Drive and attending Ex-Service Women’s reunions whenever she was able. Her love of travel took her on many visits home to visit family in Manitoba, as well as trips to visit her children and grandchildren -wherever that might takeher. This love of mixing travel and family culminated for her with afamily reunion in Hawaii to celebrate her 75th birthday. Kay was preceeded in death by her parents, Charlie & Alice Pethybridge; her husband, Frederick James Dresser, her brother Bill Pethybridge, and her beloved sister Myrtle Fust. She leaves behind and will be missed by her four children, Kelly Dresser ofVancouver, B.C., Judy Ellingson of Saltspring Island, B.C., Darlene Dresser of Kamploops, B.C., and Patricia Dresser ofPrinceton, NJ; five grandchildren, Trevor,Jason, Brett, Ryan & Spencer; and last but not least, her four cherished greatgrandchildren, Megan, Connor, Greta & Carter. There is no doubt that wherever she is, she is baking something wonderful and making a trail of flower petals so we will know where to find her. Rest in Peace. Donations may be made to the RoyalCanadian Legion, Branch 141, #10 - 10200- 8 St, Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 3P8