Obituary of Alva Ruth Kaster

Kaster - Alva Ruth Pearl Kaster (nee Viste), surrounded by her loving family, passed away peacefully in the Hanna Hospital, March 31, 2018 Born in Hanna on October 2, 1936, to Manley and Pearl Viste, the fifth of eight children. Alva is predeceased by her parents, infant sister, Ella Mae, brother, Calton Viste, sister and brother-in-law Carol and Lou Lohrman, and sister-in-law Freda Viste. Alva is survived by her husband, John Kaster, daughters: Jackie-Lynn Kaster, Dawna (Allan) LaRiviere, Shannon (Bill) Johnson, Janice (Jason) Swan, and seven grandchildren: Taylor and Andrew LaRiviere; Alexander, Owen, and Keaton Johnson and Isabella and Derek Swan. She is also survived by brothers Walter Viste, Dwight (Dorothy) Viste, Stanley (Shirley) Viste, her sister, Gene (Gary) Burns, and many nieces and nephews. Alva enjoyed an active life and preferred spending time outdoors gardening, walking, golfing, playing softball, and riding her bike. In the winter months, she loved to skate and curl, however, her true devotion was to her family and home. She dedicated abundant time to her hobbies including crocheting, oil painting, baking, cleaning, mending, taking care of her yard, and singing in choirs to name a few. She also loved to dance and play cards. Closest to her heart were her grandchildren, and time spent with them was treasured and precious. She worked as a Nursing Aide before raising her children, and later was employed at a daycare, all of which were a natural fit for her loving and caring nature. She had an impressive work ethic and put one hundred percent into everything she did. She was a long time member of the Hanna Kinette Club/K40s and the Hanna Redeemer Lutheran Church where she especially enjoyed singing hymns. Alva bravely battled cancer for six months and leaves in her passing, a lifetime of service to family, friends, and community. Alva, along with her family, greatly appreciate the wonderful care she received from the staff of Unit 42 at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, and especially Dr. Hanna, and the kind and supportive staff at the Hanna Hospital. The Kaster family acknowledge and thank their relatives, friends, the local community and churches for their support through visits, cards, food, flowers and prayers. The kindness shown is overwhelming and greatly appreciated. The family would like to thank Pastor Colin Millang for his devoted support, prayers, and humour which helped the family navigate a difficult journey. Following the interment, the funeral service will be held Monday, April 23 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hanna Redeemer Lutheran Church. Charitable donations in memoriam may be directed to the Canadian Northern Railway (Hanna Roundhouse Society) Box 1267 Hanna, Alberta T0J1P0 or to a charity of choice. Hanna Funeral Services Ltd., entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements; 403-854-5956. Condolences can be forward to the family at www.hannafuneral.ca.