With immeasurable gratitude and admiration for a life so very well lived, we announce the passing of our beloved matriarch, Evelyn Yvonne Orr (née Coombs) who finally, after years of heroic and exemplary bearing of the crucible of failing physical wellness, completed her mortal journey passing away Monday, August 24, 2026 at the age of 94 years in Lethbridge, Alberta. To her everlasting credit, she passed with humor on her lips in the last scant moments of reprieve from the battle with adversity which she waged.

Von was born in Raymond, Alberta, June 9, 1932, the youngest of nine children born to Bertram John Coombs and Hannah Coombs (née Yates). She was predeceased by her sisters Irene Smith, Hilda Larson, Sylvia Parker, and her brothers Francis, John, Francis (a second son named Francis after the passing of the first), Gordon, and Richard Coombs.

A family move to Rosemary, Alberta as a young girl blessed her with home and community through to her late teens until she accepted the proposal of marriage from Alma Thomas Orr, a dashing young import from Orton, Alta. They married December 14, 1950, and together, with unending devotion to each other, they embraced the opportunity of life welded in unity by the joys and sorrows of mortality.

As a newly married 18-year-old, she was planted in a mouse-invested, isolated, ramshackle old farmstead house which overlooked the Belly River valley about five miles east of Orton, Alberta. How she grew and blossomed into a remarkable woman of the land! Against so many odds, she excelled, not the least of which was mothering eight children. Growing a large garden to feed her family, baking bread, making lunches – and more lunches! – caring for chickens, milking a cow, birthing calves and colts, standing with her husband in failed crop years, driving school bus for 35 years for extra income – all this while welcoming and loving every person who entered her home made beautiful over the years with multiple renovations she spearheaded. She seemed to be able to do it all – and with a smile!

Her devotion to faith in Christ and community seemingly knew no limits. She was a true friend. Service to and engagement with others were never a question. She was the consummate hostess. How she loved a gathering! People always came first in her life whether her children and extended family, or the friend newly made. She knew clearly the answer to the question, “Who is my neighbor?”

A grand lady has lived an exemplary life and leaves a remarkable legacy. God be thanked for our privilege to have shared life and love with her. We look forward to eternal reunion.

Von and Al’s (deceased August 30, 2010) posterity are children Randy Jo Amasio, Laurry (Jocelyn) Orr, Renae (Rick) Bullock, Cheryl (Randy) Gunderson, David (Nony) Orr, Rachelle (Brent) Robinson, Gregory Orr (deceased December 25, 2016), and Jennifer Nogueira. She always expressed gratitude and love for her 39 grandchildren and 93 great-grandchildren. She knew and loved each one by name.

We look forward to celebrating her life with friends and family in a memorial service at THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, 643 20 Street, Fort Macleod, AB, on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Following the service, all are invited to join with family for a luncheon to enjoy visiting and shared memories.

We express heartfelt appreciation for all the many caregivers and medical staff who have treated and cared for our matriarch over these past few years: Dr. Steven G. Beekman and Judy Orr, the Macleod Pioneer Lodge, Home Care Services and Community Support Beds in Fort Macleod, and St. Therese Villa in Lethbridge.

A private Interment will precede the memorial service at the Orton Cemetery.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2026-08-24
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta