September 24, 1943 – October 15, 2026
Ferne Shirley Wees passed away peacefully at Claresholm General Hospital on October 15, 2026, with her family and friends by her side, following an accidental fall. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Born on September 24, 1943, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Ferne was adopted by her parents Austin and Jessie Smith and was named after the nurse who delivered her to them by train. She grew up on the family farm near Duval, Saskatchewan, alongside her brother Arnold (Donna).
Ferne met her future husband Russell while she was boarding at his mother’s house. They married in November 1964 and raised their children in Thompson, Manitoba. Ferne learned shorthand and over the following decade worked in human services in Thompson. In 1975, she and Russell moved to a ranch west of Granum, Alberta. In 1977 they built their family home in Granum where together they operated the United Farmers of Alberta bulk gas station until 1997.
Later in life, Ferne found her birth mother Kay Bonn and her younger twin sisters Sharon McKenzie and Shirley Blenkin. Sharon (Les) and Shirley (Tommy) and children Tracey, Trevor and Thomas became a welcome part of Ferne’s family life.
Travel was a passion of Ferne’s. She and Russell visited friends and relatives across Canada and the United States. Following Russell’s passing, Ferne travelled around Europe with relatives Bonnie and Mike. She enjoyed many overland and oversea adventures together with dear friends Sandy, Linda, and Bertha, a.k.a. the Four Musketeers.
Volunteerism was also important to Ferne and she gave generously to her community. Ferne was an avid golfer and supported the Granum Golf and Country Club Society. Ferne decorated many cakes for weddings, birthdays, and Canada Day celebrations. She volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society; supported many charities with her time and donations; and was a longtime member of the Royal Purple and the Willow Creek Beavers.
Ferne was funny and saucy, artistic and creative, and had her own ceramic kiln. She was valued for her photography of community events and weddings. She was open to building relationships and loved to smile and laugh. Her favourite colour was purple. She was selfless and loved deeply. She was an especially attentive grandma and great grandma a.k.a. ‘GG’.
Ferne had a large family that included: daughter Diane McCook, grandson Joey (predeceased) and great-grandchildren Alexis, Tyler (predeceased), and Jaxon; granddaughter Janine Stanton (Brandon) and great-grandchildren Nate and Emma; son Terrence Wees (predeceased), granddaughter Michelle Wees; daughter Shelley Pelletier (Michel) and granddaughters Mishayla, Rebecca, Josée, Jenika Redd (Peter) and two great-grandsons Fletcher and Wesley; son Scott Wees (Arial).
Ferne was predeceased by her parents Austin and Jessie, husband Russell, birth mother Kay, birth sister Sharon, brother-in-law Tommy, elder son Terry, grandson Joey, and great-grandson Tyler.
A celebration of life is planned for 11:00 a.m on May 15, 2027, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4924 – 3rd Street E., Claresholm. Everyone is welcome to join the family for lunch in the Church’s Cultural Hall following the celebration of life.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ferne’s honour may be made to a charity of your choice.