Obituary of Jennie "Marie" Rands

Jenny Marie Barnes was born July 11, 1921 at the home of her parents, Earl and Helen (Clough) Barnes in the Nebraska district near Tees, Alberta. She grew up on the farm along with her sisters: Winnie, Dorothy, Florence, Ethel and Kathy. Brothers were Alfred (who died as an infant) Don, Jack and Bill. She and her sisters rode horse back to school at Nebraska. If it was very cold her dad drove them with the team and sleigh. In 1939 Marie traveled to the Argyle district, east of Alliance, to help out at the home of her Uncle, Robert Clough, and his wife, Nettie. Here she met Lyle Gravistin, who lived half a mile north, and they were married in November 1940. At first they lived in part of the house with Lyle’s folks, Jack and Edna Gravistin, until 1943 when Lyle had completed building a house for his family, a quarter of a mile south of his parents. Phyllis was born in 1941, Sharon in 1943 and a third daughter, Heather, in 1951. After celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary in November 1965, Lyle passed away suddenly in January of 1966. In August 1967 Marie married Roy Rands, and moved to his farm 5 miles east of Alliance. They were married more than 25 years and celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in August 1992. Roy passed away in July 1994. In the spring of 2000 Marie moved into her new house in Alliance where she resided until the summer of 2011when she became ill and ended up spending a couple of months in the Daysland Hospital. She improved enough to move into the Paintearth Lodge at Castor in October 2011. Marie has lived in the Lodge since that time, continually crocheting afghans, having created more than 100.......or 200...... or 500! Marie was quite content in her new home and the Lodge staff were wonderful, and the food excellent. In July 2016 she celebrated her 95th birthday among family and friends at the Alliance Hall. Marie died suddenly of a heart attack on the evening of August 18, 2017 while sitting in her comfortable chair in her room she enjoyed her 96th birthday in July. Marie is survived by her daughters, Phyllis (Bill) Alcorn and Sharon Gadbois. Her youngest daughter, Heather passed away in October 2007. Remembering Marie are her grandchildren, Laurie (Barney) Olsen, and their children, Shelby and Gina; Bob (Dianne) Alcorn, Tim (Cori) Alcorn and their children, Nolan and Sara; Darrin (Karen) Low and their children Jennifer and Jordan; Tracey (Glen Harder) Toupin and her children Tabytha and Sydney. She will also be missed by her niece Judi Solonick and family. Marie is also survived by her brother Don and four sisters: Winnie, Dorothy, Ethel and Kathy. She was predeceased by three brothers Alfred, Jack and Bill, and her sister Florence. She will be missed and remembered by her many friends at the Paintearth Lodge and in Alliance and district. Marie will be laid to rest in the Merna Cemetery at a later date.