Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Karen, Myra, Brian, Nancy and your respective families - my sincerest condolences.
Aunt Vonnie - such a GEM. I cannot think of a better descriptive word to describe my Aunt Vonnie. It was so precious and a treasure to be in her company. I never knew so much about my own family (the Voss') as I found out from her in my visits.
Earlier on, she was so interested in what I was up to, so much so that I didn’t get to probe much into her family – she kept me busy answering her questions and she was genuine in her interest. In our later visits she more often talked about her experiences in her early years. Maybe it was because I got the questions in first? She mentioned my dad (Odell) fondly many times and about when she was a child how he, as the older brother, would place her on his feet and dance her around the room. She loved to dance and I would like to think my dad had something to do with her love of dance. If I wasn’t already proud of my parents, she would always tell me how she loved my dad and mom and complemented my mom many times during our visits adding stories of some of our family visits to Neilburg and Marsden from Marshall – in those days it was much more of an endeavour – and some times the family interactions (at the higher levels!) was not without some drama. (My mom was no saint : ). Aunt Vonnie could give her version of the events with amazing recall and she would always have a cute or cheeky way of delivering details about family interactions, whether it was a delicate topic or just a funny memory. I wish that I could retain a tenth of what she could remember - so remarkable.
Two years ago when I had made a trip to Lloydminster to attend my grand twins high school graduation I very nearly didn’t connect with her as my time in Lloyd was running short. Myra said she is a bit of a night owl and would likely be up to a visit but might tire after 15 or 20 minutes and that I would know when to end the visit. So on my last night there, I dropped in and well……2 and ½ hours later she finally wore down.– that was such a great visit and I will remember that….and her, forever for her love of story, interest in family and her always sincere well wishes upon my departure. I thought for most of my life that my sense of humour came mostly from my mom, but it is clear that the Voss’ were also given this gift. I think on reflection that the Voss family were pretty much all story tellers and Aunt Vonnie being the youngest certainly appreciated a laugh and either telling a story or hearing one more than most.
So rest in peace, Margaret Lavonne Rutherford - your spirit lives on in me and I am certain also in others you have met and were treated to your fine character. Thank you for being a wonderful and caring person, Aunt Vonnie, sharing your fond memories, for your kind words and for reminding me to be proud of my heritage.
My heartfelt condolences to the Rutherford family. I know we will never forget the GEM she was.
Your loving nephew
Brent Voss
Brent and Mary Ann Voss
Westbank BC
