Mrs. Lydia “Lil” Bertha Riegel peacefully went to be with her Lord and Saviour on Saturday, September 23, 2017, at the age of 96 years, beloved wife of the late Rev. Art Riegel. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Bev Schultz, Cheryl (Richard) Schatz and Gloria (Brian) Stevenson; seven grandchildren, Shannon (Jeremy), Ryan (Cheryl), Misty (Dwayne), Shane (Kyrie-Lynn), April (Graham), Krista (Braden) and Jonathan (Jill); fifteen great grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Ed (Esther) Riegel and Mel (Bertha) Riegel; one sister-in-law, Thelma Riegel as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur “Art” Riegel; one son in law, Doug Schultz; her parents, Adolf and Bertha Heinrich; one son in infancy; one brother, Edward and her two sisters, Emma Riegel and Edna Hnateshen.
Lil was born on May 9, 1921, in Penvaloke, Lithuania. At the tender age of 7, she immigrated to Canada with her parents and siblings. They settled in Wapella, Saskatchewan. From an early age, Lil enjoyed acting (drama) and teaching children. She also held interesting jobs such as working with her father in his blacksmith shop and grading eggs in a factory in Winnipeg. She loved the outdoors and going to camp. In the spring of 1936, Lil met the love of her life, Art. They were married on June 29, 1943, and celebrated 72 years of marriage before Art’s passing. Lil was a mentor, an encourager, and shared her faith every chance she got. She was a valiant prayer warrior and had lists of people that she prayed for every day. Lil was an outstanding gardener and loved her flowers. Just this spring, she grew over 200 geraniums which she gave to her family, friends, and also planted at Chinook Village. Lil has left her family with the rich heritage of faith, kindness and prayer. May we continue to carry the torch that she has passed on to us.
Funeral services were held at Hillcrest Evangelical Missionary Church on Thursday, September 28th. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Echo Lake Bible Camp or to Whispering Pines Camp.
To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: rattaijs@gmail.com.
