Dorothy "June" (Churchman) Santee

June Santee passed away in Ponoka Hospital, Monday, September 15, 2025 at the age of 93 years.

June was born June 11, 1932 in Edmonton to parents Patrick and Myrtle Churchman. After losing her father at an early age due to a separation, and her mother at age 11 due to illness, she went to live with her grandmother in Toronto. Soon after June traveled, alone, by train to her new home west of Ponoka to live with her aunt Bertha and Hans Paulson. June spent her later childhood years with the Paulson’s growing up with Harold, Fern, Glen and John D. as siblings. By the time she turned 19 she had met and married, a nice neighbour boy, Ernie Santee. June and Ernie were married June 30, 1951, and had four children. They loved music and dancing and were actively involved in community events. June and Ernie cleared and farmed several quarter sections in the Sylvan Heights area before retiring in Ponoka.

June was predeceased by her sister Shirley; her brother Vernon (2012); her husband Ernie(2009); and infant son Mark.

A year after Ernie’s death, June started dating Glen Crandall who had lost his beloved Dorthea the previous year. June was always up for an adventure. She enjoyed flying with Glen in his Norseman and Champion aircraft until he gave up his pilots license at the age of 89. They attended many fly-in breakfasts and social events throughout the province. June will be deeply missed by her companion Glen; her children, Glynis Santee (Rod Whitman), Dawn Santee (Chad Peterson), Pat Santee (Craig Hiitola), and Rick Santee; her beloved grandchildren, Dana, Cody, Christopher, Sarah, Mitch and Craig, Charmaine, Mark, Jeanine, Natasha, and Brenden; as well as numerous great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20, 2025 in the Link at Legacy Place, Ponoka.

Memorial Donations in June's name are gratefully accepted to Ferrybank Cemetery.

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