[Gathnet] Another Homegoing

[stuart g gathman]

Dear Gathnetters,
I got a call yesterday (Sunday) from my cousin Joyce.    Aunt Lillian 
Gathman had just passed away. 
e\She was suffering from a very fast acting cancer.   I had just had a 
good talk with her on the phone just
about 3 weeks ago and she was bright and cogent at that time.  Her 
daughters, Joyce Buettgent and  Beverly
Bothel were in Glen Ellyn this last week to be with her at this time.  
Joyce was standing watch as her mother
took her last breath.   "Aunt Lil" was a solid Christian and was looking 
forward to being with her Lord.  She
is now with Him and I am sure very happy at this time.  She was living 
at the Wi ndsor Manor retirement home
north of Glen Ellyn and died in the Nursing home attachment of that 
organization.   Thus she didn't even have to
under go a trip to the hospital.  Joyce tells me that the Huldren 
Funeral Home in Wheaton are handling the arrangments
which is only a graveside  burial.   There will be a Memorial service at 
the chapel at Winsor Manor  at 2:00 pm,
tomorrow (23 August).  Aunt Lil was born in 1911 I believe and saw most 
of the 20th century with her own eyes.

Aunt Lil" was always a favorite of mine when I was growing up.  She and 
uncle Wesley, my father's bother took
special care of Cathie and Me to help fill the void of our father being 
killed.  We spent many a day down
at their place.  Cousin Joyce always enjoyed beating me at ping pong.   
I remember  especially the family ball
games and badmittin games on Sunday afternoon and the evening supper 
always hosted by "Aunt Lil". 
On Saturdays,  I remember being asked to accompany Joyce during her 
horseback rides at Ledbetters Stables
out on Butterfield road.  These were such joyful times together.  Even 
when I was thrown form a horse and my
foot caught in the sturup  and I was dragged along the ground for a 
while.  Aunt  Lil was always cheerful  and
I will miss her but I know that she is in Glory now with the Lord and no 
doubt has seen Uncle Wesley and my
father by now.   What a joy to be a Christian and to know that our 
Saviour is preparing a place for us.  It makes
Death to bewith out it's sting.   We will be with our loved ones again!!!! 


Love,  der Alt Grossvater