Lily Ruth Kroeker

Lily Kroeker, 92, passed away on February 23 at Reedley, California, surrounded by family and friends.  Lily was born in Madrid, Nebraska on January 25, 1931.  She was one of seven children of John K. and Helen (Pankratz) Siemens. Her parents had recently arrived in America as refugees from Crimea after a perilous 10-month journey, with life-saving assistance from Mennonite Central
Committee. 

Lily graduated high school at Corn Bible Academy and attended Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas.  Lily married Marvin Kroeker on May 30, 1950 in Hillsboro.  They celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary in 2022.  They lived in Ada, Oklahoma from 1965 to 2011 and then the last 12 years in Reedley. 

Lily enjoyed cooking, gardening, restoring antique furniture and especially sewing.  She had a passion for quilting, making beautiful baby quilts for each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren and restoring antique quilts to their original beauty.  She worked for 16 years at a Bernina sewing store where she taught classes in sewing and quilting. 

Lily was an active member of the Ada First Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder, Sunday school teacher, choir member and chair of the worship committee. She faithfully delivered Meals on Wheels for many years. In 2011, Lily and Marvin joined Willow Avenue Mennonite Church in Clovis, CA where they were spiritually nourished in the Anabaptist Christian faith and warmly embraced by a loving supportive community. She was also a longtime member of the League of Women Voters and Ada Music Club.

Lily was adored for her selfless regard and love for family, friends and anyone in need.  She was renowned as an amazing host, generously welcoming many guests into her home over the years and providing many amazing meals.  Her loving nature and many life skills will provide an inspiration for her family to continue in her memory.

Lily is survived by her husband, Marvin; her sons, Bruce, Kevin (and wife, Lynn), and Ross (and wife, Joan); grandchildren Jeremy, Toni (and husband, Peter), Laura (and husband, Nick), Corrina, Saralyn, Cole and Anna; and great-grandchildren, Simon, Milo, Emmitt, Lily and Julius.  She is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers John, Nick and James, and sisters, Helen, Marie and Rose. 

Graveside services will be held at Reedley Cemetery on March 17 at 10 a.m. and a memorial service at Willow Avenue Mennonite Church in Clovis at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Mennonite Central Committee, designated to Relief for support of refugees (https://donate.mcc.org/cause/relief) or to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.