Lillian Addie Josephine (Rafuse) Ewing

With heavy hearts but memories to last a lifetime, we announce the sudden passing of Lillian (Rafuse) Ewing on September 6, in Valley Regional Hospital, Kentville. Just 6 weeks prior she unexpectedly lost the love of her life, her husband of 71 years, Amos "Bud". True love is a bond never to be severed and now they are together again.

Lillian was born in Waterville on February 26, 1931, the daughter of Ard and Jessie (Salsman) Rafuse. She attended Waterville School where she completed her Grade 12. She worked as a clerk at Cook's Store in Waterville where she developed a love of teacups! Whenever the salesmen came to bring stock to the store, Lillian would check to see if there were any new patterns to add to her collection. 

Lillian lived her entire 92 years in Waterville, a community that she loved. She attended then later taught Sunday School at the Waterville Baptist Church where she also sang in the choir. She held many positions within the church including Treasurer for 35 years. She was a member of the Sharon Club where they would quilt, knit, sew, and bake to raise funds for the church. As a Leader of the CGIT, she would teach many skills to the girls who attended.

Lillian was a co-founder of #467 Waterville & District Combined Division of the St. John Ambulance Brigade where she served for 30 years and volunteered over 5000 hours...often with the family in tow. She transferred to the Auxiliary where she was promoted to Commander of the Order of St. John. She was also a Lifetime Member of the Auxiliary of the Waterville and District Fire Department. Lillian and Bud enjoyed traveling, square-dancing, and playing cards with friends. You rarely saw one without the other!

Singing was a true passion for Lillian. She was a lifetime member of the Valley Voices Ladies' Barbershop Chorus, previously known as the Queens of Kings. She had a beautiful voice and so enjoyed bringing happiness or solace to others. She often sang duets with her brother Ken and sometimes with all of her siblings known as the Rafuse Kids.    

Lillian believed strongly in her faith, her family, and her friendships. She was always there to lend a hand when needed, supported her children and grandchildren in whatever they chose to do, and made many friends along the way. She was a positive ray of sunshine! She will be so terribly missed by many.

Lillian is survived by her daughter, Sharon (Douglas) Ewing-Milne, Canada Creek; grandson, Reilly (Grace Condo) Milne, Moncton; grandson, Andrew Ewing and granddaughter, Megan Ewing; foster daughter, Maxine McCorry, Bedford; much loved friends, Paulette Anderson, Will MacIntosh and Melissa Deveau; aunt, June Salsman; several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She was predeceased by her loving husband Bud; son, Larry Ewing; brothers, Kenneth Rafuse and Harold Rafuse; and sister, Lorraine Toole.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 15 in the White Family Funeral Home, Kentville, where the funeral service (with a video webcast) will be held at (***UPDATE***) 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, Pastor Christina Bigelow officiating. Burial will take place in the Aylesford Union Cemetery. Donations in memory may be made to the Waterville Baptist Church, VON Annapolis Valley Branch, or wherever you choose to help others. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. To view the video webcast and for on-line condolences or inquiries please visit: www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.