Obituary of Lillian Ruth Groening

Lillian Ruth Groening, 48, of Lowe Farm passed away peacefully on Thursday November 24, 2016 at the Boundary Health Trails Center, with her husband Don at her side. She is survived by her husband Don, her daughter Jillana and her son Rylan. She was predeceased by her daughter Adrienne. Lillian was born on January 19, 1968 to Peter and Betty Redekopp of Plum Coulee, Manitoba. She grew up on a farm north of Plum Coulee, attended school in Plum Coulee and graduated from Garden Valley Collegiate with Highest Honors. Lillian was always a confident, assertive child which added much spice to the Redekopp home. Lillian’s faith in Jesus was very evident in every facet of her life. As a child she learned about Jesus, through her regular church attendance. Her personal spiritual journey began at 16 through the ministry of Ron Kehler at the Horndean youth group and her baptism at the Winkler EMMC a few years later. She had a passion for Christ and this lead to many areas of involvement in ministry, through Sunday School, kids club, youth, object lessons, organizing Christmas programs, and hosting Bible Studies. Lillian’s faith in Jesus was very evident in the way she expressed her faith at work, and her daily activities. Her key life verse was Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me” After high school she began nurses training at the St Boniface School of nursing where she received her RN Degree. She diligently worked full time first at Morden, then Winkler, and then part time at Boundary Trails while raising her family. Don & Lillian were married on October 28, 1989, and enjoyed a full life together. Lillian had a passionate engaging personality and filled many places with her cheerful banter. She was a generous and hospitable hostess. Lillian spoke endlessly about her children and was extremely proud in each of their accomplishments. She did whatever she could to make the kids schedule a priority. She would willingly sign up the kids for their favorite activities and faithfully drive them to practices, games, recitals, parties, and school. She encouraged her kids to find their passion and calling and fully supported their decisions. On a personal level, Lillian was an info-maniac, a bookworm, an intellect, and a take charge person with a strong personality. Unfortunately, this led to patience not being her strongest virtue. In addition to this, she loved to tell stories. These stories often contained embellishments that were often challenged by her kids. “It made the story better!” she would claim. She was also a caring person, making friends wherever she was. Whether it was at the hockey rink, at work, at church, or in the line at Superstore, it seemed she could always make a new friend. In memory of Lillian, the family has chosen to support the Boundary Trails Palliative Care Room Furniture Project by outfitting one complete room with a recliner and loveseat. All donations collected in Lillian’s memory will be directed to this project. We would like to thank all those who have provided exceptional care for Lillian during the past 7 weeks, the first responders at the accident, STARS ambulance service, the neuro surgery team at HSC, the SICU nursing team, the staff, doctors and nurses in the palliative care at Boundary Trails, and Corey at the Morris Funeral Home. We have so much appreciated all the thoughts and prayers offered for our family. Above all we will continue to give praise to our God, and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for his strength. Our lives may have been shattered, but not our faith. Funeral service for Lillian will be held Monday, November 28th at 2:00pm at the Winkler E.M.M. Church. A private family burial will take place prior to the funeral. Jeremiah 29:11-13 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”