In Memory Of

Florence May Skeels

Apr 24, 1937 - Dec 16, 2025

Service

  A private family service will be held at a later date.

Obituary

Florence May Skeels, known lovingly as May, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, surrounded by family in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. She was born on April 24, 1937, in Major, Saskatchewan, to John (Jack) Gardner and Mabel (née Nikirk) Gardner.
May was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose greatest joy was her family. She loved capturing memories through photography and creating beautiful photo albums. Her creativity extended to sewing and knitting—she could make anything she imagined. May was also an exceptional cook, and her home was always filled with warmth and good food.
In 1953, May met the love of her life, Gerald Skeels, at a school dance at Monta Vista School. They married on September 1, 1958, in Rimbey, Alberta. Together, they built a life full of adventure and love, living in Jasper, Rimbey, Tofield, and finally settling in Rocky Mountain House in 1966.
May was predeceased by her parents Jack and Mabel Gardner; her brother Ron & Eve Gardner of Edmonton; her sister Carol & Harlan Sundal of Calgary; and her chosen family Paul and Cindy Pritchard.
She is survived by her loving husband Gerald Skeels; her sisters June Marie (John) Hawtin and Beth Elaine Gardner; her sister-in-law Sandy (ron) Gardner; her sons Doug (Deb), Ron, and Mike (Kris) Skeels; and her cherished grandchildren:
Will & Megan Skeels, Anne & James Melnyk, Grant & Carley Skeels, Charlie Skeels, Jaydy Perkins, Justin & Jillian Skeels, Kara Der, Kristy & Trevor Hartt, Kassie & Evan Whitecotton, and Kody & Darbi Pritchard.
She was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Tristan & Piper Melnyk, Kobe Skeels, Ethan, Liam & Taya Hartt, Maverick, Forrest & Audree Whitecotton, Penny Der, and Millie Pritchard.
May’s love for her family was boundless, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A private family service will be held at a later date.

Charitable donations in her memory can be made to any of the following organizations:
• Alberta Lung Association
• Canadian Cancer Society
• Arthritis Society

Condolences

Joan Selfors:

I just read of May's passing in the Western Star. So sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences.

Nellie Nielsen :

Gerald and family: I am saddened to hear you have lost May. She was a great lady.
My deepest condolences.
Nellie.

Donna Madge:

I knew May through our love of photography and developed her photos for many years. I especially loved her sharing her trip to China with me. She was a wonderful, friendly lady who always had a beautiful smile on her face. My sincerest condolences to her family. Hold on to the many wonderful memories she left behind. Rest in peace May.

Alita & Phil Hermary:

Dear Gerald and family,

May, she always had a smile and was truly a devoted wife and mother. I loved seeing her at various shows/performances her family was involved in, she was so proud of everything you all did, a true fan of you all.
Know that May is in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Alita & Phil

Delores Bird:

To Gerald and family, I was saddened to read that Mae had died. I have lovely memories of being neighbours when we lived on the acreage. My sincere condolences to you all.

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