Ellen Gargus

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Ellen Gargus, our cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and mother-in-law. On June 13, 2025, Ellen passed away at the age of 90 at the William J. Cadzow Healthcare Centre, in Lac La Biche, Alberta.

Ellen is survived by her daughter Zanra Gargus-Lind (David Lind), daughter Melody Raffael (Norbert Raffael), son Brad Gargus (Les Trent), grandchildren Tyler Gargus, Briana Raffael, Kendra Raffael (Eric Tardif), great-grandchildren Finley Tardif and Owen Tardif and her only living sibling, brother Mike Boyko (Julie Boyko).

Ellen was predeceased by her husband Adolph Leo Gargus in 1980, her parents Mary and Ivan Boyko, sisters Stella Caudell, Hellen Quinn, Lydia Nilson, and Ann Gerboth.

Born in Venice, Alberta, in 1934, Ellen was the second daughter to Mary and John Boyko. After finishing high school, Ellen began work as a bank teller for the Alberta Treasury Branch. In 1957 she married Leo Gargus who had moved to Lac La Biche to work for the railway and proceeded to steal her heart. By 1960 Leo and Ellen started raising a family, and she did not return to work until 1968 when she began working for Social Services and eventually became the office manager.

The 60’s and 70’s were busy years for a very dedicated mother who consistently put others first. In 1980 Leo passed away suddenly leaving her to finish raising their children who were all still in school and university. Ellen was a strong woman with much determination who knew her faith helped her push through the challenges of being a widow, a lone parent, and looking after her own elderly parents. She gathered two sons-in-law and a daughter-in-law along the way and loved the dynamics of her growing family. When she decided it was time to retire, Ellen discovered that baking bread, gardening, sewing all day and being a grandmother was far more rewarding and enjoyable than doing budget forecasts. 

Whether she was still a young mother or later a grandmother, Ellen was always busy gardening, cooking, canning, crocheting, knitting, designing flower pots, or sewing for her family. Like her own mother, she was a seamstress and sewed not only much of her own clothing, but clothing for her children and grandchildren and delved into the world of quilting after retirement. Ellen was dedicated to her family, always put others before herself and could be counted on for birthday cakes, parties and delicious meals – or just a friendly ear - no matter our ages. Family gatherings were her most-treasured moments and filled her heart with joy.

Ellen’s family wishes to extend much gratitude to the caregivers and medical personnel at Golden Sands, the Associated Medical Clinic, Alberta Health Services and the William J. Cadzow Health Centre who have provided such kind, gentle, respectful, and professional care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lac La Biche Regional Health Foundation (https://www.llbhealth.com).

‍You are respectfully invited to attend the funeral service on Wednesday, June 18, at 1:30 p.m., at the Evangelical Free Church in Lac La Biche, Alberta. 

Interment will be private with only immediate family and pallbearers in attendance. Immediately following the church service, other guests are invited to go to the Hylo hall where family will soon join everyone for lunch.

 ~Respectfully Submitted by the family

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