Obituary of George Mitchel Maetche

George Mitchel Maetche peacefully passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at the Hanna Long Term Care Facility at the age of 94 years.

He was born in Craigmyle Hospital on May 19, 1930, to parents Guy and Selma Maetche. George was blessed with six other siblings.

George attended school in Craigmyle from Grade 1 to Grade 12. During his high school years, he loved to play baseball. When George wasn’t attending school or playing ball, he started working as a taxi cab driver in Hanna to make a little extra money. George also worked at Bill Cross Men’s wear selling suits and at DG Innis Grocery Store in Craigmyle.

On December 26, 1951, George married the love of his life Belva Grosse. George and Belva were blessed with three children: Lynn, Larry and Rodney.

In 1955 George and Belva purchased their forever home and farm North of Craigmyle, Alberta. George raised cattle, farmed grain and hay land. He sure loved his Hereford cattle.

George had a musical talent. He was a self-taught musician and could play by ear.  He was part of a local music band and he could play the piano, banjo, guitar and the mandolin. Every day before lunch and supper, George would sit down at the piano and play while Belva was making the meal.  He enjoyed playing Country Gospel Music on the piano such as “I Saw the Light” by Hank Williams Sr. and "Last Date" by Floyd Cramer.

On January 22, 2023, life took a big turn for George as he had a stroke and was no longer able to live at home on the farm. In 2023, George moved to Hanna Long Term Care and resided there until his passing.

George is survived by and will be deeply missed by his wife Belva of 74 years; sons: Larry (Grace) and Rod (Susan); twelve grandchildren: Tara (Rodgers), Mandy (Armin), Kimberly (Adam), Warren, Cole (Krystal), Rena Marie (Brynn), Maegan (Dustin), Sarah (Jared), Amber, Mitchell (Ashlee), Evan (Alexandra) and Rebecca (James); twenty six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents: Guy and Selma Maetche, his six brothers and sisters, and his daughter Lynn.

A private graveside service will be held at Craigmyle Cemetery on Saturday, January 4, 2025.

If desired, donations in memory of George can be made directly to Diabetes Canada.

Hanna Funeral Services Ltd. has been entrusted with the care and arrangements, 403-854-5956, www.hannafuneral.ca.