Lillian (Lillie) Wilma was born January 11, 1941 in Stony Plain, Alberta to Martin and Maria Derman(n). She was one of 7 children, Jacob, John, Arthur, Bill, Freda, and Bertha. Her family relocated to Edmonton due to her mother’s failing health who then passed away in 1951. Lillian attended schools in Edmonton, Onoway, and Calgary. Once she completed grade 9 she started working in the telegraph office for the CN Railroad. She worked there until she met Erich, her youth group sweetheart, and they were married September 19, 1959. They really appreciated Lillie’s younger sister Bertha who served as an excellent chaperone on their dates. They made their home in Calgary where Norman and Natalie quickly joined the family. In 1967, they moved to the fertile land of the Peace Country and started their homestead in Crooked Creek in a little log cabin. With all that space, Neal, Nancy, and Naomi made their family complete. Lillian was a full time homemaker, farmer, entrepreneur, and minister for Jesus in the community. She spent many hours working alongside Erich and later her children running a dairy farm, first selling cream, and later milk before it becoming a beef and grain operation. They built a new home in the 70’s with the help of Opa and Oma Schulz. Lillie’s work in the church was very important to her. She ran the children’s programs for several years as well as playing the piano and singing with her family and church choirs. The children remember working hard together as a family and then having lots of fun playing games like Rook, Yahtzee, Chinese checkers, Life, and making puzzles. “Schnickering” or eating lots of junk food while playing games was the family way of celebrating everything or nothing. Mom loved flowers and growing a huge garden in between driving the tractor and milking cows which was all part of a day’s work. Her fragrant roses the size of your hand and the sweet peas were known around the community as she loved to give each visitor a bouquet as they left. Ending the day with singing, playing the piano or instruments was a common and important part of the family dynamic. During these busy years, she welcomed son in law Ron, and daughter in law Bonnie to the family. Followed quickly by her amazing grandchildren Jennifer, Johanna, Joshua, Raelynn, Justin, Riley, and Braedon. Fond memories included tractor and quad rides, feeding the chickens and collecting the eggs, and the bear rug in front of the Inspiring videos and kid cartoons. Fashion shows with the dress up clothes ‘oh so fashionable’ from the basement were always a highlight with the girls and the boys couldn’t get enough of playing together outside. Life continued and soon Judy joined the family followed by grandchildren Karsten and Chantell. Grandma loved her grandchildren, but unfortunately her health turned and she began her struggle with Bipolar Disorder even while caring for Opa and Oma Schulz. Mark and Naomi were married followed soon after by Willie and Nancy. Willie’s children Ari, Keano, and Typanga were also welcomed by grandma and grandpa. More grandchildren, Tristin, Josiah, and Gabriel brought much joy and adventure to these families. Erich and Lillie moved to Grande Prairie due to their failing health and Erich went to be with the Lord on August 1st, 2004 leaving Lillian in their new home. Granddaughter Faith and Jennifer and Kevin’s marriage added more excitement to the family. Great granddaughter Isabella, granddaughter Nevaeh, and more great grandchildren Kaydence and Tyson complete the list so far. Welcoming Lane and Katelin as spouses for her grandchildren Raelynn and Riley made definitely highlights of her last few years. The grandchildren all said their favorite memory of grandma was the huge amounts of candy and love she gave them! The hugs and kisses began and ended every visit even to the end. No matter what happened with her health, two things never changed for Lillian: Her love for Jesus and her family. She identified herself as a prayer warrior and this was her mission to pray for each of her family members. She shared her love by sending cards for special occasions. Big family gatherings and welcoming so many as part of the family will also be part of her legacy. Lillian got her greatest wish on August 2nd, 2015 when she went to be with her Lord and Saviour while at the Grande Prairie Care Center. She is pre-deceased by all her parents, her husband Erich and all of her siblings except Bertha. As she rejoices in heaven with Jesus she leaves the rest of her family to hopefully, one day, join her in heaven. Interment will take place at Cornwall Cemetery south of Ridge Valley on Thursday, August 6 at 11:00 AM, followed by a Celebration of Life at Grande Prairie Church of Christ (Highland Park 9602 92 Ave) at 2:00 PM. Memorial donations may be made to Life International www.lifeinternational.com or Jewish Voice Ministries www.jewishvoice.ca Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home Grande Prairie 780-830-7742 www.bearcreekfuneral.com