It is with sadness that the family of Elsie (Smolski) Darud announce her passing on April 9, 2026, at the age of 86 at the Killam Long Term Care Center. Elsie was the 9th eldest of 15 children born to George and Mary Smolski. Elsie was born on November 14, 1939, on the homestead near Round Valley, Alberta, moving to Killam shortly after. Elsie was raised on the family farm northwest of Killam.

In 1962, Elsie married Ivan Darud of Viking. They spent a few years in Edmonton before moving back to Killam where they lived most of their lives. Elsie went to McTavish Business College. She had several jobs throughout the years including, bookkeeping, running the West End Café in Killam before working at the Alberta Liquor Control Board until retirement. Elsie and Ivan enjoyed gardening, camping and travelling. Elsie loved to bake, can and sew and share the bounty of her talents with family, friends and neighbors. She had many nieces and nephews to which she was more like a grandparent than an aunt.

Elsie is survived by siblings George (Annette) Smolski, Katie Snethun, Ruth (Graeme) Davidson, Mary (Roy) Wilson, and Marge Kueber. Brother-in-law, Halvor Darud and sisters-in-law, Connie Smolski, Dianne (Jack) Dennett, grandson, Kristopher (Jessica) Banner, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Elsie was predeceased by her husband, Ivan, and siblings, Luba Smolski, Louise Udchitz, Toni Smolski, Alix Smolski, Peter Smolski, Nick Smolski, Sam Smolski, Pete Smolski, John Smolski, brothers-in-law, Peter Snethun, Don Kueber, Freddie Darud, Ernie Golka and sisters-in-law Kathleen Golka, Gail Smolski and Ann Smolski.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Timothy Hanton and the staff at the Killam Long Term Care Center for their compassion and care during Elsie’s stay.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 25, at 4:00 p.m. at the Killam Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the Killam Community Hall.

Memorial Donations can be made to the Killam Community Cemetery Association and the Killam and District Health Care Foundation.