Ivy Bullock

Peacefully, with her family by her side, Ivy Bullock passed away on Monday, November 11, 2019 at the Lions Prairie Manor at the age of 94 years.

She is survived by her husband of almost 70 years Walter “Lodge” Bullock of Portage, best friend for 94 years Betty Bullock of Medicine Hat and brother Don Smith of Portage.  Also left to mourn are her five children: daughter Valerie (Dave) with grandchildren  Robert, Kathy (Gary), Murray (Rita), Michael (Jessica) and Tammy; son Gary (Debbie) with grandchildren Kendra, Greg and Bryce (Kaitlyn); son Grant (Valerie) with grandchildren Charla (Jeff), Lindsey (Brad) and Danielle (Scott); son Garth (Tracy) with grandchildren Erin (Tyson), Holly (Andy), Josh and Emma; daughter Donna (Bill) with grandchildren Amanda (Dan), Tara and Travis; great-grandchildren Ryan, Cassidy, Madison, Violet, Tristan, Presley, Evander, Reed, Tyson, Jessica, Dylan, Paige; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.  Ivy was predeceased by her infant son Walter Laurie, mother and father Martha and Thomas Smith, eight siblings and their spouses: Elsie (Tom), Owen (Laurine), Alf (Loes), Stanley, Irene (Jimmy), Eva (Fred), Ray (Inez), Phyl (Ray) and Millie.

Ivy was born in Layland, Manitoba on August 23, 1925, but with her family they travelled and lived all over Manitoba.  In her life Mom worked at Southport, Campbell’s Soup, Berkley’s, MDC, Ralph’s Diner and owned half of The Double I Snack Bar.  During the second World War Mom and Betty Ward travelled to Ajax, Ontario and became Bombgirls where they stayed until the end of the war, attending Ticker Tape Parade in Toronto.  They returned to Portage, Manitoba, where they met and married their true loves, Ivy to Walter Bullock and Betty to Sam Bullock.  Farming was very much a major part of Mom’s life after that.  Mom had a busy life for the next 70 years having and raising children, farming, gardening, housekeeping, milking cows, raising pigs and chickens, vegetable garden, and in her spare time she knitted, playing horseshoes, reading to kids and helping them with homework.

Mom maintained a great sense of humour until the end of her life.  On several occasions she had to cross a wet muddy field to rescue children from the sucking mud because they didn’t want to leave their boots.  Mom was a Horseshoe Champion later in life, winning many trophies and awards.

Upon Mom’s passing, her and Dad were 8 days short of their 70 year anniversary, they both enjoyed watching curling of TV and a daily dose of the Young and the Restless.

A private family service will take place at a later date.

Donations in memory of Ivy may be made to the Lions Prairie Manor Foundation 24-9th Street SE, Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3V4.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021