BARB HIRTLE 1932 - 2016 Mrs. Clara Barbara Neal was born at Stauffer, Alberta on November 9, 1932. She took her schooling at North Raven, Raven and Dickson schools. In June 25, 1952 she enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a teletype operator and trained at Rivers, Manitoba. During that time she met and married Eldridge (Al) Hirtle on December 2, 1953. Al left for a course the next day to New Brunswick, returned for Christmas and New Years and then was posted to France for a year. Barb was discharged March 1954 with the rank of Leading Aircraftwomen and returned to Raven, Alberta, living with her parents during his posting. Upon Al’s return they were posted to Claresholm, Alberta for 3 ½ years. During this time they had two children, Susan and Daryll. A new posting took them to Greenwood, Nova Scotia, the province of Al’s birth, for 6 years. Upon the passing of Barb’s father Tom Neal, Al was discharged and the family moved to Raven to farm with Barb’s brother and wife Ken and Joyce Neal. Barb worked on the farm and subsequently at the Stop Inn Café in Spruce View, in a new construction home cleaning business with friends and then at the Spruce View Co-op. They renovated and lived in the Neal homestead house. She always had horses around to raise, break and ride. She belonged to the Raven Gymkhana and Riding Club; many trail rides out to the mountains were enjoyed with this group. With Al driving truck for a living, they decided to raise sheep on their farm. Along with the sheep Barb always had chickens, geese and lots of garden and flower beds. She volunteered her time with the Raven Community Centre, the Gwendale Elks Club and the Caroline Legion. She was predeceased by Al in 2009 and is survived by her daughter Susan (John) Barker, grandson Dylan (Christie) Barker, great-grandchildren Casey and Piper Barker, grandson Beau Barker and granddaughter Regan (John) Drennan and son Daryll (Pam) Hirtle. A Memorial Service will be held at the Spruce View Community Hall on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Innisfail entrusted with arrangements. 403-227-0006. www.heartlandfuneralservices.com