On Tuesday March 17, 2020 Lillian Backer (Lill) entered Glory. Unwavering in her faith in Jesus Christ, she dedicated her life upon his promises, as well as his commands to love God and to love others.
Lill was born into this earthly life on April 9, 1925 in Mitchell Nebraska to the family of Frederick and Margaret Stricker. In 1942, she married George R. Backer (Bob) of Scottsbluff Nebraska, who was then serving as a US Marine in World War II. When Bob returned from the war, he pursued the Lord’s calling into full time ministry. From that point forward, Lill dedicated her life, and the life of their young family to partner with Bob in this calling.
Bob and Lill were the parents of five children. Diana Moody (Jose), Bobbie Stoller (George), George R. Backer Jr (Virginia), Paul Backer (Christine), and John Backer (Bonnie).
From her five children, Lill experienced the joy of loving and being loved by 17 grandchildren, (Juan Moody, Mollie Moody, Brian Stoller, Paige Patenaude, George R. Backer III, Kathryn Vincent, Elizabeth Lewis, Paul Backer Jr., Christopher Backer, Benjamin Backer, Marina Backer, Kealand Backer, Aaron Backer, Mitchell Backer Brittany Backer, Haley Peck-Law, and Elissa Fontenot)
From these grandchildren, Lill has been blessed to date with 28 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.
Lill was a source of strength and an unceasing well of compassion for all who knew her. She had a passion for order and discipline in every facet of her life. However, she always made certain forgiveness and encouragement ruled the day.
Although her resources always seemed limited, Lill innovated and created great wealth in her life. She learned to play many instruments, sang in choirs and always had music playing in her home. Her efforts never failed to result in an abundance of flowers and produce from her gardens. She sewed beautiful clothing for herself and her family. Lill could seemingly make something delicious out of nothing from her cupboard, and always made sure the final meal of the day ended with a dessert. Her baking is legendary in her family. She painted, created ceramic art, produced jewelry, and she expertly refinished and reupholstered furniture. Lill had a vision for the potential of what things could be, if only they had a guiding diligent hand. And it was through her unfailing perseverance that things before unseen by others have become treasured heirlooms in her family.
Lill and Bob were married for 41 years until Bob’s death in December of 1983. She remained in love only with him, and never remarried. In 1984, Lill moved to Lodi, California to reside with her daughter and son-in-law (George and Bobbie Stoller). It is there she remained very active in her church, her home and in the lives of her friends and family until her health no longer would allow.
In her last years, Lill’s every need was met by the vigilant care of her caregiver/friend Chris, and by George and Bobbie Stoller in their home. The family is forever grateful for the happiness and joy Lill experienced to her last breath in their company.
Lill was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one grandchild (Aaron Backer) seven brothers (Phillip Kamerzel, John Kamerzel, Alex Stricker, Fred Stricker, Victor Stricker, Robert Stricker, Henry Stricker) and nine sisters (Lillian Stricker-died in infancy, Millie Hamburg, Julia Peister, Mary Keller, Helen Braden, Rose Derr, Rachel Marghiem, Lydia Jackson, Martha Liekam). Her youngest sister, Alvina Bennet of Wheatland Wyoming survives her, as well as her children, grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.
Lill’s remains will be interred at a future date in Scottsbluff Nebraska alongside her husband Bob. While her memory is honored there, we know she lives on in Glory. Lillian Backer will forever be treasured in our hearts, as she was the guiding diligent hand, we all needed to become all she encouraged us to be.
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Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Backer family.
