Obituary of Lydia Toews

Lydia M. Toews, our Mother, Grandmother and Great-grandmother was born December 4, 1921.  After 99 years, she passed away December 27, 2020.  She was the first of a family of ten children born to Aaron & Mary Baerg Megli, at Sunnyslope, AB. Mom grew up on the family farm helping her father work with horses and cows.  Cousin Frank Klassen, joined their family when she was five, and she was delighted to have an older brother to walk with to school, a mile across country.  Her parents took the family to church (Linden) every Sunday – a privilege her father didn’t had.  

At the age of sixteen, she gave her heart to the Lord and mentioned at times the meaningful direction He gave her life.  She was baptized, becoming a member of the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite.  The church was precious to her and she loved the Bible. Through the years from youth on, Mom was enthused about Sunday school and Summer Vacation Bible School, supporting those causes.

On April 16, 1944 Lydia married Walter U. Toews and together they experienced life to the fullest, with its joys and hardships.  They first set up housekeeping in an up-stairs room of the large Schartner house, with a cow and chickens as live-stock.  Following they farmed at Sunnyslope, Rocky Mountain House, Linden, and Stettler, then retired at Linden. She was a true farmer’s wife, planting a large vegetable garden surrounded by shrubs and trees with fruit.  While working together with her children she spoke of godly principals and life styles. Mom was hospitable, practiced respect to all mankind, including the less fortunate. We appreciate the home our parents gave us and the concern they had for our spiritual lives.

She was blessed with eleven children; 53 grandchildren; 111 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren.

She will be remembered by her cheerful voice and smile, welcoming and appreciating a visitor or care shown her.

Cherishing memories are ten children:  Earl, Linden, AB; George & Rosanna, Stettler, AB; Janice & Gerald Unruh, Bonners Ferry, ID; Cecil & Helen, Bow Island, AB; Anita & Leonard Toews, Hythe, AB; Grace & David Unruh, Stettler, AB; Merv & Wanda, Stettler, AB; Lorne & Myra, Beaverlodge, AB; Wayne & Sharon, Stettler, AB; Connie & Ray Unruh, Stettler, AB; Delbert & Melinda Ensz, Bow Island, AB.

Siblings: Verda Toews; Ray& Susanna Megli; Irvin & Irma Megli; Viola & Jake Boese; Ethel & Noah Toews; Orville & Helen Megli; Edith & Howard Reimer. 

Mom left us to join again her parents; her husband Walter; daughter Marilyn; 4 grandsons; 2 grandsons-in-law; 1 sister and 1 brother.