Obituary of Dorothy Stiles

STILES: Dorothy Sarah Stiles, beloved wife of the late Harold Stiles and dear mother of Florence, John, Dennis and Lynda passed away peacefully at Fairview Personal Care Home, Brandon, MB. Dorothy was born in Cardale, MB on May 12, 1918 to Thomas and Florence Charles where they farmed. She had four siblings Blanche, Les, Gordon (Bus) and Sid. Her mother died at an early age when Dorothy was only six years old. They had a housekeeper to help out for a few years, then at the age of fifteen, following the marriage of her sister Blanche, Dorothy had to take over running the household and helping with farm chores. So began her awesome work ethic and caring for everyone in her family and beyond. During these years they all remained together supporting each other and receiving the care and support of the Cardale community. She met and married Harold from Strathclair and following their marriage remained in Cardale, spending significant time with in-laws in Strathclair with many get-togethers, especially Sunday dinners with family and friends and Mom's great home-cooked dinners. They farmed and raised their beloved horses, which also became a passion of all their children and grandchildren. During these years, Florence, John and Dennis were born and 16 years later-surprise Lynda arrived. In 1952, they had a dream to concentrate on the horses and went to Clear Lake in Riding Mtn. Nat. Park to start a riding stable, and that would turn their dream into reality - hence the birth of Circle S Riding Academy - the work and love of their life. They spent winters moving between Cardale and Brandon, but couldn't wait until May to get back to "the lake", and so for the next thirty years Mom (Ma) was the lady behind the desk booking rides as well as cooking, cleaning and attending to everyone's needs creating fond memories for family, our trail guides, friends, boarders and customers to treasure. Our annual family breakfast rides to Lake Katherine was always one of her favourite events. Christmas was most special for Dorothy because that was when the whole family got together for a feast. She loved playing crokinole so the "tournaments" became a tradition and she usually ended up in the finals - and winning many. In earlier years, horse drawn hay rides at Christmas was an event we all enjoyed. In 1987, when Harold (Pa) passed away, she kept the tradition going and up until she was well into her 90's never spent her summers anywhere but at the lake since 1952. She courageously accepted and embraced her later years never losing her wit and one-liners. She remained in her own home until the age of 96. She attended Fairview Home's day programs and selected it to be her final residence and was grateful for the quality of care she received. She is predeceased by her parents; siblings; husband, Harold; grandson, Todd Stiles and daughter in law, Carol Stiles. Surviving her are her daughter, Florence Kelly (Wayne); son, John (late Carol); son, Dennis (Sylvia); daughter, Lynda (John); grandsons, Howard Kelly (Pam), Dennis Kelly and Chad Stiles; granddaughters, Susan Boisvert (Mike), Brenda Harper (Darryl), Tracie Bettano (Steve), Corrie Stiles Walker (Dallas); 11 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Dorothy's legacy is in the people she inspired, empowered and encouraged. Donations in Dorothy's memory may be made to Fairview Personal Care Home (Fairview Recreation), 1351 - 13th Street, Brandon, Mb., R7A 4S6 or to a charity of choice.

The family invites you to watch the Funeral Service for Dorothy Stiles. Please CLICK HERE