Obituary of Lillie Irene Unger

The death of Lily Irene Unger, age 101 years, occurred on January 6, 2008 at Joseph Creek Care Village in Cranbrook, B.C. Lily was born on July 18, 1906 in Thornhill, MB. Left to cherish Lily's memory are her daughter, Ione (Wes) Steele of Anchorage, Alaska; son, Glen (Sharon) Unger of Cranbrook, B.C., grandchildren, Gary (Triva) Steele, Dean (Tracy) Steele, Dale (Sharon) Steele, Lori (Ron) Spencer, Debbie (Bill) Crassweller, Jennifer (Cameron) Patzer as well as nine great grandchildren, two brothers living in Manitoba, Russell (Irene) Reichert and Howard (Isabel) Reichert. She was predeceased by her husband, John Unger in 1985 where they had retired. She was predeceased by nine siblings, four of which died in the last fourteen months, the youngest being 89 years old. Lily had a love for people, especially children. She would tell anyone willing to listen that she was a teacher in Manitoba, which fulfilled a life long dream inspired by her own teacher at a young age. She was also a 4-H leader, a Sunday School Teacher and President of the Women's Missionary Society of the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) for a number of years. Lily made an impact on the lives of everyone who knew her. She had a strong faith in her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ and had been a Christian for 81 years. She is now at home in heaven and reunited with her "hubby", John. The following poem is what our family believes she would want to say to those remaining. Do not grieve for me, my dear ones Now that I have gone away. I've only stepped quietly through the door To the dawn of a brighter day. If you could see the beauty of the garden I'm walking through. If you could feel the touch of His hand,You would want to walk here too. If you could see the sunshine With no dark shadows lurking near, If you could know the joy supreme, I find with my Lord so dear. Where pain no more can touch me. Where no sorrow can ever be. You would be glad I slipped away To this beautiful land of eternity. I'll be waiting for you, my dear ones I'll be watching day by day, And I'll ask our Father to guide you Lest you falter along the way. So when the day is over And the night is drawing night, I pray you too, find it only a step Where walks my precious Lord and I. A Celebration of the fullness of Lily's life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, January 18, 2008 at the German Church of God, Kelowna, B.C., Donations in memory of Lily may be directed to the Gideons (call 1-888-482-4253 for instructions).