McNally: Esme Gertrude, June 11, 1928 – June 28, 2020

Mrs. Esme Gertrude McNally (nee Gaff) of Rolling Hills and beloved wife of the late Clayton McNally, died in Brooks June 28, 2020, at the age of 91 years.

Gertrude was born in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan on July 11, 1928, to Dennis and Vienna Gaff. Gertrude received her schooling in Maple Creek. She married Clayton on July 11, 1953, and farmed near Excel, Alberta until 1961. In 1961 they moved to Rolling Hills to continue farming, bringing with them six children and another on the way. After Clayton’s death in 1996, she continued to farm in Rolling Hills up until 2011, when she moved to Brooks.

Gertrude is predeceased by her husband Clayton and a son Dean.

She is survived by two sons, Brent and Jim; four daughters, Elaine, Sherrie, Della and Lori and numerous descendants thereof. No public services will be held.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted by Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks

Editor’s Note: Esme, better known as Gertrude, was sister-in-law to Flora and Ross Vanstone and Alex and Lena McNally; aunt to Oyenites Lois Bedwell and Roy McNally.

Nephew Brian Vanstone says he helped Clayton ranch and grow hay in Rolling Hills two summers when he was in high school.

“Gertrude loved to spark banter but never spiteful,” says Brian. “We visited the Fort Walsh area in Cypress Hills area one trip that was memorable for geography. She fried up steer testicles for us once (taste like chicken) after branding and castrations.

“She was a good mother teaching her kids how to manage finances well,” he concluded in an email to the Echo editor.