Obituary of Melba Barkhouse

93. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Melba Irene Barkhouse, born September 5, 1915, in Forties, Lunenburg Co. Melba died peacefully on February the 8, 2009 at the Grand View Manor surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of the late Rufus and Emily (Legge) Hiltz. She was a member of Christ Anglican Church, Berwick, Kings Co., and was a former member of the A.C.W. In her early years she came to the Annapolis Valley to work as a house keeper for a number of families. After raising her family she worked at M.W. Graves Ltd., Berwick. Surviving are her two children, son, Lester (Vivian) Barkhouse, Waterville, Kings Co.; daughter, Gloria (Garth) Illsley, Kentville; Kings Co.; grandchildren, Lawrence, Katherine, Donnie Barkhouse; and Rebecca (Illsley) Gonzalez, Scott Illsley; and six great-grandchildren. Proud sister to brothers, Carl (Eva) Hiltz, Fraxville, Lunenburg Co.; Calvin (Jean) Hiltz, Forties; sisters, Parnell (Laurie) Powers, Berwick, Kings Co.; Leola Hiltz, Fraxville; Lucille Avery, Beaver Bank; Thelma Keillor, Beaver Bank; Rolena Brown-Cochrane, Forties; Lois Durling, Cambridge, Kings Co. Besides her parents she was predeceased by husband, Vernon Barkhouse, brothers, Dean and Clinton Hiltz; sisters, Goldie Hiltz, Phyllis Goulden and Eileen Hiltz; grandson Andrew Barkhouse. Melba's greatest joy was her family and friends and always treasured time spent together. She enjoyed quilting and knitting and making numerous pairs of socks. She took great pleasure in cooking and baking and a visit to her home always included a delicious meal and many desserts. She had a keen interest in nature and loved to study the flowers, birds and patterns of the sky. A heart felt thanks goes to the staff of the Grand View Manor who provided special care to Melba and her family, especially this past week. Special thanks to Cathy Best and David Galley. Melba will be fondly remembered by all who knew her and sadly missed. Visitation for Melba will take place 6-9 p.m. Tuesday in the H.C. Lindsay Funeral Home, 192 Commercial St., Berwick, N.S., B0P 1E0, (902-538-9900). Funeral service will take place 10:30 a.m., Wednesday February 11, in Christ Anglican Church, 238 Commercial St., Berwick. Rev. Charles Bull officiating, with a reception to follow in the church hall. Burial in St. Mary's Anglican Cemetery, Auburn, at a later date. Family flowers only. Donations in her memory can be made to Christ Anglican Church, Berwick, or Valley Regional Hospital Foundation, Kentville. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.hclindsayfuneralhome.ca