Elizabeth Rhyason

It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of Elizabeth Rhyason on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the Olds Hospital at the age of 77.

Liz was born August 28, 1947 in Melfort, Saskatchewan to parents John Selmer Stolee and Dorothy Evelyn Stolee (nee Johnson) both of Donalda, AB. For a few short months she called Carrot River, Saskatchewan home until the family moved (and expanded) into Bawlf, AB where she would spend the next 10 years of her young life. The family then moved to New Westminster, BC, following Selmer's travels with Ministry. Here Liz completed high school before moving on to attend LCBI.

Liz loved school, especially math. This came in extremely handy later when she and her husband would build their final nest. She entered school for a career in nursing where she achieved the status of Registered Nurse and excelled in her trade. This became a 30+ year career in a couple different locations including La Crete, Hanna, and Innisfail.

While in school for Nursing around 1969, she met her love, Rodney Rhyason whom she married in 1970. The two traveled to La Crete for Rodney's teaching career and then settled into the small town of Hanna after an offer came up and they were done with the wash out roads of the north.

Liz and Rod were blessed to adopt and welcome a son, Jeffrey Andrew, in the summer of 1978 and then completed their family with the adoption of a daughter, Jill Kristine in the winter of 1982.

She spent many hours doting on these two children, setting a huge example as a hard working mother, a working mother, and a studious mother. She took time off from nursing to raise and enjoy the kids while they were young, filling some part time hours at the Hanna Library while the kids integrated into full time school. Elizabeth absolutely adored these children and made sure they were able to pursue their own style and dreams. She had high hopes for both and was proud of their every step. Having a son well versed in the world of technology, and a daughter following into the medical field gave proof of her support, pride, and encouragement of them.

Many trips to all ends of the province (and into the States!) to get Jeff and Jill to a variety of pursuits. From science fairs, to computer related learning and job opportunities for Jeff, to hockey and hospital trips across Alberta and into Saskatchewan for Jill's frequent clumsy adventures and sports pursuits.

Setting an example for her children while returning to work she upgraded some of her nursing and studied hard for her provincial exam pulling in a 95%. Her dining table very literally covered in notes and lists will never be forgotten.

Liz enjoyed many camping trips with her little family. Often spending summers in the mountains exploring Kananaskis, taking shortcuts resulting in 4 bicycles with flat tires from an unfortunate cactus discovery. She was a puzzler, a painter, a wordle and scrabble solver. A builder, a knitter, a pianist, a baker, a chef. A woman that did it all really.

Known for her above and beyond kindness, selfless to a fault, nurturing heart. Her keen sense of wit and appreciation for cheesy humor. She took solace in the peace and beauty of the world around her, and cherished visits with loved ones. Often over filling them with her delicious home cooked meals and favorite baked goods like cornflakes cookies and squares, and at Christmas; the best almond rocca and peanut brittle. Liz was also critical of her own cooking, but received zero complaints from guests or family, with exception to just one occasion in which she microwaved Lutefisk.

“Grandma” was a new exciting title she received in 2009 with the birth of Rose Louise to Jeff and Jana. Grandma Liz was elated and enamored with this teenie bundle of joy and spoiled that little girl any chance she could. Cake pan sleigh rides across the carpet and through the house, toys and treats, puzzle games as Rose got older and time in the garden talking about flowers, animals, and bugs. Julian Currie came along and Rose had to learn how to share Grandma. Grandma had enough love for both of them and then some! Cuddles, cookies and cars. Grandma was sure to be their biggest fan and so proud of these grand-babies. Always capitalizing on their hugs and always interested in their stories and achievements.

This small woman had such a humongous heart and capacity for loving people. She will be missed beyond measure, and loved forevermore.

Elizabeth is predeceased by her father, John Selmer Stolee; mother, Dorothy Evelyn Stolee (nee Johnson); sister, Elaine; and nephew, Jon Gordon. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Rodney Rhyason; son, Jeffrey (Jana Barron) Rhyason; daughter, Jill (Dwayne Huisman) Rhyason; her very cherished grandchildren, Rose Louise Rhyason and Julian Currie Rhyason; and her siblings, Carolyn Stolee, Ruth (Jim) Bridge, Daniel (Trudy) Stolee, Eunice (Brian) Gordon, Phyllis (Roger) Holmes, Joseph (Barb) Stolee, and Paul (Christine) Stolee; sister-in-law, Roslyn (Fred) deMille, and so many nieces and nephews.

We ask if you feel inclined to donate in her name, please do so to the charity or organization of your choice in her honor.

A gathering will be held August 16th. Please see the link included.

https://rhyason.org/mom