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Obituaries

Ellen Susanne Kartio-Archibald

September 25, 1955 - February 20, 2026

Text:

Obituary For Ellen Susanne Kartio-Archibald

Ellen Susanne Kartio-Archibald of Grande Prairie, Alberta, sadly passed away of natural causes on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the age of 70.

Ellen was born on September 25, 1955, to Lauri Erik and Elma Norma Kartio in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. She was the youngest of three, alongside her brother, David, and sister, Karen. After Elma passed away, Ellen became a stepdaughter to Ulla when Lauri remarried.

Ellen met her husband, Robert Wesley Archibald, and together they moved to Garrick, Saskatchewan, where they raised their three sons, Ryan, Neil, and Mark.

Ellen joined the RCMP in 2001 and was stationed in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, before transferring to Grande Prairie, where she continued her career until retirement. She loved her retirement and used her time to be deeply involved in her community by volunteering at the Legion and Veterans’ Association. She was also involved with the Church of Christ, as well as numerous youth and community organizations. Ellen put in countless hours helping the people around her and will be deeply missed.

Ellen was predeceased by her husband, Robert; her eldest son, Ryan; and her grandson, Allister. She is survived by her sons, Neil and Mark, as well as her grandchildren, Liam, Jules, Bishop, Leah, and Riley.

The service will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Grande Prairie Church of Christ (9602 92 Avenue), preceded by a viewing from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and followed by a luncheon. At 4:00 p.m., a social will take place at the Grande Prairie Legion #54. Interment will be held at a later date at the Garrick Cemetery in Garrick, SK.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Church of Christ benevolence fund (e-transfer: finances@gpchurchofchrist.com; subject: benevolence).

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Condolences

  • March 12, 2026

    Ellen and I became fast friends in 2009 when we began working together at the Grande Prairie detachment. There are no amount of words that can truly explain how Ellen impacted lives for the better. From clients, co-workers, family and her many, many friends, she brought so much compassion, understanding and joy to our lives. I will be forever grateful that she was a part of my world and cherish all the memories we had made. I will forever quote her unique way of "swearing" and whenever I hear someone humming a tune, I will be thinking of her. My deepest condolences to her family and to all that loved her. She will be missed. Rest easy my friend.

  • March 11, 2026

    Almost anyone who knows me has heard me talk about my loyal friend as of age 10, Ellen. In Cassiar, we went to school together, were in majorettes, sang in the Anglican church choir and were what today is called "besties". As a matter of fact we looked similar and some people thought we were sisters while others even thought we were twins. Ellen's dad's work had them move around a lot so we joked how all my address book pages headed "K" were quickly filled up with "Kartio". But no matter where Ellen called home we always stayed in touch. Annual birthday and Christmas cards and lengthy phone calls and visits in between always strengthened our bond. In 2025, since we were both turning 70, we decided to celebrate our birthdays together. So in Nov. 2025, Ellen drove from Grande Prairie, AB to Leduc, AB where we decided on a dinner theater and a great visit as well. Oh how much fun we had reminiscing and making new memories!!! In 2001 she fulfilled her life-long dream and became a member of the R.C.M.P. Her courage was impressive! She faced several adversities in her life but her resilience was astounding. R.I.P. my beloved friend, safe in the arms of Jesus. Oh, how I will miss you!!! To all of Ellen's family, my family I extend our most heartfelt condolences and assurance of our loving thoughts and prayers.

  • March 11, 2026

    Ellen had the knack for brightening up any room she entered. She strove to bring out the best in people. It was a joy to work with her in Cell Block and Wapiti Shooters Club. She was a precious friend.

  • March 11, 2026

    I am so sorry to hear of Ellen's passing. I spent many hours volunteering with and getting to know Ellen. She spoke often of her sons and grandchildren and looked forward to spending her retirement visiting them often. My deepest condolences go out to her family.

  • March 11, 2026

    I worked with Ellen at the Detachment for about 4years prior to her retiring. She was a kind, loving person which showed with her interactions with some very difficult people. Ellen was a god person. She will be missed by so very many of us! So sorry for your loss.

  • March 09, 2026

    Ellen was always a pleasure to work with and to be around. She was so positive in what she did and how she did it. No matter how busy things got in the Detachment I could always count on Ellen being in good spirits. She helped to lift us all up. My condolences to her entire family. She will be missed.

  • March 08, 2026

    My condolences to the whole family

  • March 08, 2026

    I met Ellen in 2001 when she was posted at the North Battleford RCMP detachment. We kept up over the years. When my husband and I moved to Alberta in 2008, we got to see her a lot more. Anytime we were in Grande Prairie, we could have a visit. She was a kind and caring person. Our deepest condolences to her family. She will be deeply missed by many. Erin, Jordan & Thomas Driedger.

  • March 07, 2026

    I was so sad to hear of Ellen's death. I was fortunate enough to get to know Ellen when she worked at the Caribou Centre at Pace. Ellen was always to so positive, caring and genuine. Ellen had such an infectious smile and her kindness and compassion was felt by anyone who was fortunate enough to know her. Ellen touched so many lives and her legacy lives on. I know I am a better person for having known her.

  • March 07, 2026

    When Ellen was fresh out of Depot, she and I worked together a lot, often just the two of us from 4am-7am in the busy Battlefords. We had some scary times together and also a lot of fun. She was always so eager to learn and kept a constant positive attitude. Reading the tributes to Ellen in different RCMP related groups, it makes me so happy that she continued her positive outlook on life and made a difference to those around her. She gave so much to the community even after retiring. Ellen was such a kind person; she had true genuine interest in others and approached all things with an open heart. It can be a rare find these days, especially in policing. My heart goes out to the family; her boys and five grandchildren. I bet she was an awesome grandma. Know that she is watching over you all. We will all miss you, Ellen. "To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die". - Thomas Campbell

  • March 07, 2026

    I had the opportunity to work with Ellen during my employment with Catholic Family Services. I was a coordinator for Camp Little Buffalo and she was part of the team. Ellen was very involved to the program and very supportive to all the youth that participated in the summer camps. Rest in peace dear Ellen.

  • March 06, 2026

    Sorry to hear of Ellen,s passing.she was a wonderful Mountie ,may she rest in peace

  • March 06, 2026

    I am saddened to hear of Ellen's passing. I had the honour to work with her at her first posting in North Battleford She had such a positive outlook on life and always a smile that will definitely be remembered. My condolences to all Ellen's family.

  • March 06, 2026

    To Ellen's family sorry for your loss. I met Ellen when we both were involved with Girl Guide of Canada units in Grande Prairie. Ellen always had a smile on her face and she was very funny.

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