Jean Agar

Posted Mar 25, 2024 | 5:03 PM by CookSFC

Jean Agar

May 12, 1935 ~ March 23, 2024

With profound sorrow, Roland Agar and his family announce the peaceful passing of Jean Audrey Devina Agar (nee Pettyjohn), his beloved wife of nearly 70 years. Jean departed this world surrounded by loved ones at River Ridge Seniors Village in Medicine Hat on March 23, 2024, at the age of 88.

Jean was predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Marjorie Pettyjohn; sisters, Shirley Bakken and Wilma Thomas; son, Glenn Agar; grandson, Kade Anderson, and son-in-law, Dean Sanderson.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Marjorie (Ted) Gilchrist, Linda (Harold) Anderson, Sharon (Dave) Milburn, and Karen Sanderson. She will also be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren and their families: Ryan (Stacey) Gilchrist and their children, Carter, Hudson, and Lennon; Michelle Matthews and her children, Thomas (Katie) Brazil (with children Rylan and Eden), Melody Brazil (with son Axel), Graham Matthews, Walker Matthews, and Mavrik Matthews; Bobbi-Jo (Gary) Anderson-Hill; Luree (Mark) Weisbeck and their children Augustus and Casey; Shakia-Lee Milburn; Dayna (Tim) Craddock and their children, Crosby and Nash; Tayler (Mandie) Sanderson and their children, Sawyer and Arianna. Additionally, she will be remembered by Glenn’s wife, Louise Agar; their children and their families: Desirea Agar and her children, Emma and William; Devina (Richard) Berger and their children Tanner, Levi, and Henry; and Austin Agar. Jean is also survived by her siblings, David (Connie) Pettyjohn and Don (Ilene) Pettyjohn.

Jean Audrey Devina Agar (nee Pettyjohn) was born on May 12, 1935, in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan to Earnest and Marjorie Pettyjohn. As the eldest of five children, Jean’s love for the outdoors blossomed early on the family farm, where she and her siblings Shirley, David, Wilma, and Don reveled in running through fields, berry picking, and collecting rocks. Her love for family picnics, community events, softball, and horseback riding grew alongside her. In her youth, Jean’s competitive spirit shone through, often challenging others to races on horseback and winning!

Jean began her education at the quaint Gopher School near Vidora and later continued her studies in Maple Creek before attending the International Bible College in Estevan, Saskatchewan. It was during this time that she formed lifelong friendships and nurtured her quiet faith in god.

In 1953, after completing high school, Jean began a career as a study supervisor at Farewell Creek School near Ravenscraig. It was around this time that Jean and Roland began their courtship after meeting at a dance in Vidora when Roland asked Jean’s father, Earnest, if he could drive her home and he approved. Jean’s love for music and dancing was something that stayed with her even when many of her memories were lost, often dancing with Roland, one of her daughters, or alongside the piano while Linda played.

After their courtship, Roland and Jean exchanged vows on July 23, 1954, in Maple Creek—a journey that began nearly seven decades ago. They started their married life together in the very homestead where Roland took his first breath, nestled in the hills near Ravenscraig. From there Jean was able to “ride like the wind” (as Roland often remarked) to Farewell Creek school, where she diligently worked until 1955.

It was in this old two-bedroom farmhouse with no running water that Roland and Jean started their family. All five children, Marjorie, Linda, Sharon, Karen, and Glenn, began their lives here, with Jean shouldering the joyous chaos of raising five children under the age of five. Shortly after the arrival of their youngest, Glenn, the couple decided it was time to upgrade to the modern luxury of indoor plumbing. Thus, they bid farewell to the hills of Ravenscraig and planted new roots in the fertile irrigation flats near Consul. It was here that they built a home, raised their family and sowed the seeds of a lasting legacy.

A gentle soul who unfailingly placed family above all else, Jean watched her family grow from generation to generation. With tender care, she cradled each new grandchild, great-grandchild, or great-great-grandchild in a protective gentleness. Her dedication to her family was seen in many ways—whether meticulously woven into every stitch, bundled into hay bales in the fields, or tenderly nurtured into the radishes of her garden.

Her sewing room was her sanctuary, where she poured her boundless love for her family into creating clothing, crafts, Halloween costumes, skating dresses, quilts, and anything else she set her mind to. A master seamstress, Jean utilized her expertise as a 4-H leader, imparting her knowledge to others in the community. She showcased her sewing skills by entering competitions at fairs in Medicine Hat and neighbouring towns, winning hundreds of red ribbons. Each ribbon found its place neatly stored in the basement, pinned side by side on a large sheet—a testament to her skill and dedication. Jean took immense pride in her artistry, though she did so quietly and humbly, as was her nature. Like how she’d quietly work for months on end on elaborate hilarious halloween costumes, only to surprise everyone at the Halloween dance, incognito, and walk away with the coveted ‘best costume’ prize. When Jean did emerge from her sewing haven, it was often to engage in other tasks around the ranch—baking, baling hay, or tending to irrigation. She would pop out to watch one or two of her favourite soaps while bustling in the kitchen, preparing supper not only for her crew but also for any unexpected visitors, be it a hired hand or a neighbor dropping by. There was always a meal, homemade bread, cinnamon buns, instant Folgers coffee, garden radishes and of course her famous weak iced tea on the ready.

Jean effortlessly managed it all, jumping on any opportunity to get outside and work on the ranch. She was as hard working as she was creatively talented. Even when Roland offered to upgrade her baling tractor to one with a cab for added comfort, Jean declined, preferring instead to sit under her umbrella and enjoy the warm summer breeze.

In ranch tasks, Jean wasn’t just a mere ‘helper’— she knew precisely when, where, and how to get everything done. Roland would often say, “she’s the boss” knowing that without her, he couldn’t have accomplished half of what they did together. Wherever Roland went, Jean was by his side, accompanying him on every journey to the Ponderosa, riding shotgun and opening every gate there was!

A steadfast pillar of support, yet behind that quiet facade, Jean harboured a spirited side—a spitfire with a penchant for mischief, often indulging in practical jokes with both family and friends. Away from the ranch, she relished socializing, whether on downhill skiing trips with friends, exploring Las Vegas, England and Phoenix, or engaging in lively card games. Jean seized every opportunity to create lasting memories. She loved her annual time at the ladies bonspiel when she didn’t have to rush home to make sure dinner was on the table, leaving Roland to fend for himself— something she’d get a kick out of! However, above all, she cherished her visits to the Agar clan out west, where laughter with her sisters-in-law and the sharing of fond memories were a-plenty.

Family meant everything to Jean, and in her quiet, gentle manner, she was always there to support each and every one of her children, grandchildren, and so on. She watched with immense pride as her descendants grew and achieved their goals and dreams. Yet, amidst the joys of life, Jean also knew the pain of loss all too well, losing her only son, Glenn; her grandson, Kade, and her son-in-law, Dean before their times. Through each heartache, she remained resilient, holding her family together.

As dementia gradually claimed Jean’s days, her legacy continues to live on through her daughters who cared for her with the same dedicated loving tenderness that she showed each of them. This enduring legacy reverberates throughout the entire family, as every quality that defined Jean—her hard work, humility, playful spirit, dedication, creativity, and artistry—is mirrored in her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. In them, Jean’s spirit lives on, a testament to the profound impact she had on those she cherished.

Jean, you worked, played and crafted so hard; you deserve to rest now.

A special thank you to granddaughter, Michelle, for the compassionate care she showed her grandmother in her final years as well as to Dr. Ciubotaru and the staff at River Ridge for their care and compassion shown to Jean.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at the Consul Community Hall, Consul, Saskatchewan on Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Memorial donations in Jean’s name may be made directly to the Consul Community Hall, PO BOx 43 Consul, SK, S0N 0P0

(Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone 403-527-6455

Date : 2024-03-23
Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta