Obituary of Elnora Irma Mitts

Elnora Irma Mitts

(April 14, 1941 - October 7, 2020)

Elnora was born April 14, 1941 in Dodsland, SK as the second child to Leonard and Betty Olsen. Elnora spent her first seven years in Saskatchewan on the family farm. There were a few moves across the central prairies after coming to Alberta, but for Elnora her most memorable times were in Camrose and Carstairs. Elnora grew up in a Christian family and learned to love the Lord at a young age and was baptized as a teenager in 1956.
Her growing up years were fondly remembered as fun and content but also a lot of work helping her Mother with great ability, usually in the kitchen. Elnora and her older brother Harvey were close in age and were inseparable for many years. Elnora loved being an older sister to Sharon but when her youngest sister was born in 1950, she dependably cared for Bonnie like she was her own little living dolly.
Elnora loved attending youth group, summer camp and going to school. She received her High School diploma in 1959 in Camrose while living with and caring for both her grandmothers. Elnora went to Alberta Bible Institute and especially enjoyed touring with the choir. While working at Rosecrest Children’s Home in Edmonton, a Nursing Supervisor told Elnora she had a natural gift for helping and serving others and encouraged her to become a nurse. Elnora trained as an RPN at the Provincial Mental Institute in Edmonton, Alberta, graduated in 1964 as Valedictorian of her class and received the General Proficiency in Psychiatric Nursing Award.
While visiting a close friend in Hay River, NWT and getting some northern hospital experience, she met Raymond Mitts…who quickly arrived on the scene when he heard there was a lovely young nurse in town. Elnora and Ray had a short courtship before beginning their married adventure together up north. Their wedding took place in Trochu, Alberta in March, 1966. Elnora was so pleased to take a month-long honeymoon trip “back east” with her new husband in their Volkswagen Beetle to Niagara Falls, Ontario and to meet Ray’s family. He was so very proud of her! From Elnora’s Travel Journal: “We drove enthusiastically home to our little house in the Channel. Ray carried me over the threshold and I got the first glimpse of our new home – I loved it immediately!” 
Elnora and Ray enjoyed many good times with family and friends in Hay River, a highlight being part of the NWT Centennial Choir and singing for the Queen. Elnora was an efficient homemaker, happy wife and mother to three children. They welcomed Steven Randall in 1968, Rhonda Jeanne in 1970, and Sharelle Denise in 1972. In 1974, Elnora and Ray decided to move to BC and eventually settled in Terrace for some wonderful growing up years. When a move to Alberta brought the family to Camrose in 1981, Elnora resumed her nursing career at Rosehaven. It was a challenge for everyone at first, but having Elnora’s family nearby was a huge consolation. The care centre began to introduce a computer charting system in 1996, this was when Elnora figured it was time to hang up her uniform and retire.

Elnora had many skillful abilities and hobbies and was more than capable at most things she tried. She thoroughly enjoyed cooking and baking, gardening and canning, sewing and doing crafts and of course singing. She was a genius with a can of paint and a roll of wallpaper! She enjoyed volunteering at her childrens’ school as a chaperone and a good sport on field trips, and at church as a Sunday School teacher. She helped with many school projects and encouraged her children to do their best with their studies…. she was a terrific essay and assignment editor. The Mitts family moved many times over the years and Elnora made each one a charming home every time. She could set up a newly moved into house instantly – and had been known to have neighbours over for tea the evening of moving day!

Ray and Elnora invested in a fifth wheel trailer and it became an extension of their home. They particularly enjoyed camping in the fall, going on new adventures together and really enjoying one another’s company. She was involved in numerous church activities and committees, her favorites being bible study leader and funeral lunch helper. Family gatherings, especially with her own parents, were important to her. Elnora was pleased to see her children grow up, further their education and choose well suited and Christian spouses. Elnora was thrilled to become a Granny! She spent many hours reading books, doing crafts, having tea parties and playing games and puzzles with little ones once again.
Elnora continued to love her family as she cared for her aging parents and then looked after Ray, who sadly developed Parkinson’s Disease. Once a nurse always a nurse. She said he was not hard to look after because he was always so grateful. They had a good life together but “forty-seven years was not long enough”.
Elnora experienced difficulty after Ray’s passing in 2013, but she did her best to fill her days spending time with her sisters, other family and friends. Elnora often attended school, music and sports events, and was pleased to learn about all her grandchildren’s accomplishments. Unfortunately, Elnora developed Dementia but even with memory loss and confusion her true personality of charm and grace and witty sense of humor were still apparent. She was polite until the very end. She loved the Lord deeply which shone through her entire life. Elnora passed away peacefully at age 79 on October 7, 2020, at Season’s Retirement Home with family at her side.
She will be remembered and cherished by her children - Steve (Cheryl) Mitts of Camrose, Alberta; Rhonda (Leo) Zimmerman of Camrose, Alberta; and Sharelle (Greg) Wiebe of High River, Alberta; five grandchildren - Raelene and Kaitlin Mitts, Hope and Josie Zimmerman, and Connor Wiebe; brother Harvey (Gail) Olsen of Bullhead City, Arizona; sister Bonnie Ebel of Three Hills, Alberta; and brother-in-law Merv Gerber of Bashaw, Alberta and many family members and dear friends. She was predeceased by her husband Raymond Mitts; her parents Leonard and Betty Olsen; her sister Sharon Gerber; brother-in-law Allan Ebel; and grandson Brendan Wiebe.

A private service has been held.