Lois Marie HANSEN

RUD , Lois Marie (nee Hansen) January 9, 1934 - July 10, 2009 Lois Hansen was born in a log cabin in the Peace River country near Hines Creek, Alberta. She was the third of eleven children. As a young woman she gave her heart to Harlow Rud and together they shared a wonderful adventure for more than fifty-seven years. Lois' life with Harlow took her to five continents and fifty different homes before she settled into a much deserved retirement with Harlow in Okotoks, Alberta and Mesa, Arizona. Everywhere she went Lois captured her love of life, travel, nature and family on canvas. Lois was an award winning artist and her paintings hang in private homes and corporate offices in Canada, the U.S. and Europe. She specialized in both oilfield scenes and in depicting the homesteads of Alberta's early settlers. Lois' many commissions include one for former Prime Minister Trudeau. Her legacy will live on as her paintings are passed from generation to generation as a part of family history. Lois created beauty wherever she lived. She planted trees and flowers in countless places, often knowing she would not live there long enough to see them grow or bloom. She was happy to provide the gift of nature for others to experience. Lois was the Mama Bear of her family, loving and fiercely protective even in her final days. She was as honoured by an invitation to attend one of her grandchildren's recitals or sporting events as she was when asked to christen the drilling ship "Mortier". She was a whirlwind of emotion and energy which earned her the nickname "Hurricane Lois". All who loved her were swept up in her path and held close. Lois is survived by her devoted husband Harlow, her children: Richard Rudd (Colleen), Linda Rud-Milliken (Rick), Donna Rud (Tom), Deborah Pratt (Frank); her grandchildren: Marla Waal (Peter), Dean Rud (Susan), Dana Rud (Mike), Richard Huxley (Cindy), Sean Huxley (Shannon), Sarah Pratt (Jerry), Emily Pratt (Aaron), Daniel Pratt (Heidi), Samuel Pratt, Michael McClay (Lindsey), Lindsay McClay (John), Jaclyn Scrimshaw (Rob); her great-grandchildren: Alicia, Aiden, James, Danielle, Charlie, Jacob, Grier, Felix, William and coming in 2010... "the Rudster". She is also survived by all of her siblings: Margaret, Lloyd, Norma, Doreen, Harold, Billy, Darlene, Bobby, Chris and Marie and a host of loving nephews, nieces and cousins. We carry her in our hearts. A Celebration of Lois' Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on July 14, 2009 at Snodgrass Funeral Home in Okotoks, Alberta. Our gratitude to Okotoks EMS, High River Hospital, Stars Ambulance, Dr. "Chip" and the entire Foothills Hospital ICU staff. Family and friends may donate to the High River District Health Care Foundation. Published in the Calgary Herald from 7/12/2009- 7/14/2009