Katherine Willms

KATHERINE ELLENORE (NEE DOERKSEN) WILLMS was welcomed home by her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ at 6:20 p.m. on August 20, 2010, at the age of 70 years.

Katherine was born on May 30, 1940, and raised in Coaldale, Alberta. Her lifelong passion for teaching led her to a teaching assignment in Nobleford until she was swept off her feet by a Grassy Lake farmer named ""Johnny"". Katherine and John shared almost 47 precious years together, farming and raising their four children. Katherine's desire was to glorify God in all that she did, serving faithfully through active involvement in her church community and in Christian Women's Club. She shared her gift of teaching and music through ministry with both children and adults, and especially loved her adult Sunday School Class in the Westview Community Church at Grassy Lake, and most recently at the Taber Evangelical Free Church. Katherine was a person who lived each day to the fullest -- whether she was working in her expansive garden and flower beds, driving the combine on the harvest field, or sharing her gift of hospitality. Her infectious smile, positive attitude, boundless energy, and love of people impacted the lives of all around her. Katherine's faith and testimony touched the lives of many, especially in the last nine months as she faced the adversity of leukemia. She was a much-loved wife, mom, and grandma, and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren. There was always fresh baking at Grandma's house, and if new pyjamas were needed, or a zipper required fixing, Grandma was the one to do it! Katherine loved her family deeply.

She is survived by her loving husband John; four children, Kevin (Penney) of Grassy Lake and their children Julie Steeves (Chad), Amanda, Shari, Emily; Carolyn Gartke (Tim) of Edmonton and their children Trenton, Nate, Trina, Amy; Clarence (Lexa Foreman) of Kingston and their children David, Anna; Trish Redekop (Kevin) of Saskatoon and their children Sam, Sara, Grace; siblings Margaret Reimer (Ben), Ben (Agnes), Henry (Kay), Ann Kasper (Harold), Helen Penner (George), David (Carolyn), Esther Hiebert (Abe) and Art (Eleanor); numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her father Bernard, mother Elizabeth, sisters Mary and Elizabeth, and niece Eleanor. The family wishes to thank Dr. Wedel and Dr. Benke and all the medical staff in Lethbridge and Taber for their compassionate care.

A Visitation will be held at 6:00pm - 8:00pm on Wednesday, August 25, 2010, at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 St. South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

Graveside Service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 26, 2010, at the GRASSY LAKE M.B. CEMETERY with Pastor Ron Gartly, officiating.

A Celebration of Katherine's Life will be held at TABER EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH on Thursday, August 26, 2010, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Harry Unger, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Katherine's memory may be made to Southern Alberta Bible Camp, Box 99, Lomond, AB T0L 1G0.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7).