Lois Roberta McBee

Lois McBee

February 25, 1936- April 2, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Lois McBee announce her sudden passing on Sunday, April 2, 2023.

Lois Roberta McMillan was born on February 25, 1936 on the McMillan homestead in Robert “Bob” Coalburn McMillan and Jane “Jenny” Roberta McMillan (nee Merkley).

Lois was the second youngest of 12 children. A very busy house and tough time taught the family to appreciate everything they had. Hard work was something they all were familiar with and they all continued to work hard all their lives.

On June 22, 1955, Lois married Gordon McBee. Together they were blessed with 3 wonderful boys; Ben, Perry and Jay.

Lois and Gordon eventually bought a farm of their own, 10 miles north of Biggar in the Monarch area. Lots of good memories were made here with family and friends. Chicken plucking was always a big event, Pearl, June and Merle would all come to help. A few drinks, a few plucks, a few choice words, lots of laughter and good food after. The evenings always ended around the kitchen table with a good game of cards.

Lois loved her farm animals, raising hundreds of poultry every year, milking cows when the boys were young and later raising cows/calves for market. The door was always open and a good meal was always ready for anyone who came for a visit. If you came in the summer, you often went home with a gunnysack full of fresh vegetables from her immense garden.

Lois was an extremely hard worker, always busy on the farm. She worked in various businesses in town as well, and volunteered her time to many clubs and organizations, including the Monarch Ladies and the Royal Purple. She also loved to curl and was always going out to a bonspiel with the girlfriends. Playing cards was another of her favourite pastimes and in later years, spent a lot of time at the New Horizons playing Kaiser or Crib. She was the best armchair curler and knew every team member, both men and women, their positions, and most of their curling history. She never missed a game on TV. Lois was the type of person who could light up the room with her smile, laughter, and “Hi Darlin”.

She loved her grandchildren very much, spending many hours in the Majestic Theatre watching the girls perform at festival, or in a NCCP production. Devon went on road trips to the farm with her when he was little, so he could chase the chickens and ride in the tractors. She always marveled at how well behaved Jay and Lynn’s 6 children were and how well the household ran. She often went to Jays and would spend a week there, baking treats for the babies.

She was very proud of all her son’s achievements and was often heard bragging about them to anyone who would listen.

She was very close to all her siblings, especially her sister, Eileen. And Eileen’s family, who she loved like they were her own, spending many family gatherings out at Fred and Erin’s farm in years past.

Lois is predeceased by her father, Robert (1961); mother, Jenny (1990); siblings, Bill, Pearl, Earl, Jean, Harold, Bert, Margaret, June, Merle, Lorna Jean. Her husband, Gordon (2007); and son Perry (2014);

She is survived by her sons Ben of Springwater, SK, Jay (Lynne) of Blackfalds, AB;

Grandchildren, Chase, Destin, Tenisha, Shayla, Tanner and Kiara;

Daughter-in-law, Brenda McBee of Biggar, SK. Granddaughter, Michaela (Dale) Hoppe, great-grandchildren Willow and Anara; grandson, Devon (Samantha) McBee, great-grandchildren Keeley and Maddie; and granddaughter Tiffani McBee of Biggar, SK.

Lois will be laid to rest at a later date in a private family gathering. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Biggar New Horizons. Arrangements entrusted to Gerein Funeral Service.

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