WILLS: Evelyn Wills passed away at Lloydminster hospital on June 24, 2024 at the age of 86 years, days short of her 87th birthday.
Evelyn was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. Evelyn was greatly loved and will be dearly missed by all her family and friends. Irene Evelyn Wills, born June 1937 in Lloydminster, was the oldest of two children born to Martin and Viola Person. She and her brother Bob grew up on the family farm near Sandy Beach. Farm life included lots of chores like hauling water, caring for the animals and a large garden. One day, Evelyn and her brother decided the peas looked too good and picked pails of them. After realizing they could not eat them all, they buried the remaining peas in a field, hoping their mother would not figure out what happened to the peas. Evelyn developed a love for horses at a young age, often telling us her favourite horse was named Lady. After seeing a western movie with a chase scene where horses were galloping down a hill, Evelyn
and brother Bob decided to try this in their gully. They were very fortunate not to be injured as one of the horses they were chasing fell and rolled down the steep gully. She did her elementary school at a nearby country school. Her middle school was a bus ride to Streamstown. High school years required staying at a boarding school in Kitscoty. She married Darwin Franklin in 1957. A few months after they were married, the young couple were at a wedding celebration by Lone Rock. Darwin was visiting at the back of the car when a drunk driver rear ended the car. Darwin jumped to avoid the impact. Unfortunately, one foot was completely severed off and the other leg was severely crushed. This event profoundly changed the life of this young couple. They settled in Marwayne and had 3 children, Lee, Sherry and Randy. They moved to Lloydminster where Evelyn started working outside the home. Evelyn created many lifelong friendships, welcoming people into her life with open arms and her big heart. The union with Darwin ended.
Evelyn married Bob Wills in 1979. This meant that Evelyn’s family expanded to include Clay, Ed and Clark. Evelyn and Bob moved to Provost, Senlac and Veteran for Bob’s business, with Evelyn managing the books. Evelyn’s love for horses was rekindled when they took up chuckwagon racing. Caring for the horses and competing at the races was very much a family affair with many helping hands. They travelled to many shows including the Calgary Stampede and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Staying in an RV, Evelyn cooked delicious meals for a large crew. Many fond memories were made visiting after the races. After retiring from wagon racing, Bob and Ev spent a lot of time camping at their favorite spot in Cypress Hills. Evelyn volunteered in the community and enjoyed social outings. Evelyn loved cooking, baking and hosting family, her spreads were famous. Being an excellent cook, she showed her love through cooking big meals and baking special treats. She never failed to ask what she could bring to family dinners and was usually told “buns”. Her homemade buns were legendary! Evelyn really valued time with family and friends, large card games were the norm after meals. She made a loving welcoming home for both families. Her journey came full circle as they came back to Lloydminster in later years. The pair remained dedicated to each other, through the challenges of aging.
Evelyn will be greatly missed by: Son, Lee Franklin (Della) of Lloydminster, their children Vanessa Franklin, Brant Franklin (Jade) & daughter, Ariella. Daughter, Sherry Waldorf (Rick) of Lloydminster, their children, Philip Waldorf (Lisa) & daughters, Bella & Chloe. Matthew Waldorf. Son, Randy Franklin (Phyllis) of Lac Sante, their son, Adam Franklin. Step-children: Clay Wills (Pat) of Lloydminster, their children, Alisha Wills. Tanner Wills (Erin) their children, Natalie and Henry. Dustin Wills (Adrina) their children, Kalyn and Benson. Ed Wills (Susan) of Coronation, their children, Anita Hewitt (Ryan) their children, Lynn & Julie. Nicole Kinch (Travis) their children, Zachary & Brooke. Tracy Grabler (Brent) their children, Ryley, Summer and Bryer. Clark Wills (Karen) of Peers, their children, Kyle Wills (Tyra) their children, Lucas & Andi. Amanda Jardine (Troy) their children, Logan & Ruby-Lynn. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
Evelyn was predeceased by her husband, Robert Wills, her mother, Viola and father, Martin Person. Brother, Bob Person and sister-in-law, Audrey Person.
CARD OF THANKS ~ The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses and Lloydminster Hospital staff for their wonderful care and compassion, helping mom through her final months. Thank you also to McCaw funeral home, Pastor Ryan Sturge for the message and Donna Burke for the lunch. We would also like to thank everyone who attended the service and everyone who sent food, flowers, cards and gave donations. Your kindness and support is very much appreciated at this difficult time.
