Elva Evelyn Hemphill, late of Weyburn, SK passed away April 14, 2016 at the age of 95 years.

Elva was predeceased by her parents: Harry and Evelyn Howell; her husband George Hemphill; sisters: Geraldine “Ruth” Dennie (Frank), Jean Clarke (George); sisters and brothers-in-law: Jean McGillivray, Gertrude McKenzie, Harvey and Marion Hemphill, Harry Hemphill,Norman and Jean Hemphill, Marion, Althea and George Becker; Edna and Charles Lockyer.

She is survived by her children: Darlene (Graham) Thackeray, Dale Hemphill; grandchildren: Ian Thackeray (Shelia), Peter Thackeray, Laura Thackeray, Paul Hemphill, Dane Hemphill; 9 great-grandchildren; brother Robert "Bob" (Elaine) Howell; sisters-in-law: best friend Joyce Hemphill, Colleen Holtz (Elvin), Edna Hemphill as well as several nieces and nephews.

Elva was born at home on the farm south of Weyburn in September of 1920, the oldest daughter of Evelyn and Harry Howell, later Gerilene (Ruth), Jean and Bob arrived.  She grew up a farm girl, helping her parents on the farm East of Weyburn going to Grand Bend school on horseback experiencing bugs, drought, fire and illness.

She boarded in Weyburn to finish her high school and went to Regina to get her teaching certificate.  She taught in several one room schools.

Elva married George Hemphill and had 2 children, Darlene and Dale.  She taught them several times through the years at Marmara School.  She continued her education through summer school and correspondence courses to up-grade her teaching certificate.  After consolidation of the schools she substitute taught at Queen Elizabeth, Elgin, and in Halbrite. She loved those teaching days and often when someone on the street would say, "Hello Mrs. Hemphill." she would say, "I don't know who that is but it must be one of my students all grown up."

Elva also had a canteen at early Nickel Lake and helped feed the cattlemen at the livestock yards.  I wonder how many butter tarts she made over the years?

Elva was the go to person to take the minutes of the organizations she belonged to including the Grand Bend Telephone Company, The Horticultural Society, The Farm Women's Association, and most important to her, the Church.

She was George's right hand man and his eyes working with him on the farm through the years.  She loved her big garden full of vegetables and flowers with a few extra rows of potatoes for family in the city.

Most of all she loved her family.  Spending time in New Zealand and with Dale and the boys and watching the family here grow up.  She was proud of each and every one of them.

Viewing was held on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at 7:00pm from RD Family Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, SK. A Funeral Service for Elva was held on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at 2:00pm from the Knox Presbyterian Church, Weyburn, SK with Reverend Jay Song and Reverend John Ferrier officiating. Lunch took place at The Knox Hall, Weyburn, SK,  with interment following at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn, SK.

For family and friends so wishing, donations in memory of Elva may be made to the Knox Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, 136-2nd Street, Weyburn, SK, S4H 0T8 or Tatagwa View Care Home, 808 Souris Valley Road, Weyburn, SK, S4H 2Z9.

 Service Information