Ethel Kravontka
It is with profound sadness and much love that the family of Ethel Louise Kravontka (nee Higgins) of Jarvie, AB, announce her peaceful passing on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at the age of 80. Ethel was born September 1, 1944, in Westlock, AB, where she attended both Cedar Creek and Jarvie schools. Following her education, Ethel worked at the Immaculata Hospital until she met her forever partner, Frank Kravontka, of Jarvie, AB. Frank and Ethel were inseparable, with their wedding being held in the Jarvie Catholic Church on July 20, 1963, under the light of a total lunar eclipse. They were married for 59 years until Frank’s passing on August 10, 2022.
Frank and Ethel worked the Kravontka homestead together farming livestock and crops while raising their three children, Joanne, Donnie, and Angela. Ethel passionately tended to their home, was a gracious steward of the land, and adored raising the numerous varieties of animals on their farm, especially her beloved cows. She was a tireless worker, earning the respect of even the toughest farmhand in the process.
Although Ethel’s primary love was for her family, she also loved all of God’s creatures (except for gophers and grasshoppers), enjoyed both cross-country skiing and curling and was an amazing card player, with the games Whist, Bridge, and Pass The Ace being favourites. Ethel was a social butterfly who would always welcome a cup of coffee and a conversation with family, friends and, often, even strangers passing through town. To Ethel, there was no such thing as a stranger, since everyone was just a friend whom she had yet to meet.
She loved serving her community by volunteering with pancake breakfasts at Jarvie Days, working in the kitchen at the Jarvie Curling Club, and being an avid supporter of the Jarvie Fall Supper’s.
Left to carry on Ethel’s legacy of kindness are her three children; Joanne (Bob) Mattice of Cold Lake, AB, Donnie Kravontka of Grassland, AB, and Angela (Gregg) MacLoghlin of Kelowna, BC; her seven grandchildren, Elizabeth (Denver) Fandrick, Jillian Mattice (Orr Pominville), Elise (Daniel) Murphy, Ethan Mattice, Emma (Quinton) Edwards, Jordan Mattice, and Aidan MacLoghlin; and her six great-grandchildren, Ellie-Rose, Waylon & Willie Fandrick, Madelyn & Hadley Murphy, and Sutton Pominville-Mattice. Ethel is also survived by her sister-in-law, Ann Crouser, as well as her cousin, nieces, nephews & countless friends and neighbours.
Ethel was predeceased by the love of her life, Frank Kravontka, her father Archie Higgins, her infant brother Roy Higgins, her sister Charlotte Morrill, cherished father and mother in-law Martin and Elizabeth Kravontka, her dear brothers and sisters-in-law and her loving aunts & uncles.
A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 pm, on Friday, April 11, 2025, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Westlock, AB.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Westlock, AB.
Inurnment will take place at a later date in the Jarvie Catholic Cemetery.
Lunch will be provided following the Funeral Service at the Westlock Memorial Hall.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Jarvie Community Centre, STARS Air Ambulance, or a charity of your choosing.
Condolences may be shared at www.westlockfuneralhome.com.
Westlock Funeral Home & Crematorium
780-349-3474
