Lillian Virginia Brackebusch, 92

Lillian Brackebusch was born Lillian Virginia Rau, the last of 14 children, near Sauk Rapids, Minn., to Phillip and Margaret Rau. She lost her mother when she was only a child of 7.

She and Tom Puckett were married in 1948. They eventually raised three children on the farm that grandfather bought years earlier in Samuels.

She met the tough times, and there were many, with determination and a quiet strength. Her life was impacted by the premature death of her dearly loved husband, Tom. Her job at the Samuels post office for many years helped keep the farm’s finances sound.

The neighbors will remember her name from her second marriage to Leonard Brackebusch, a farmer.

She leaves behind three children, Robert (Suzy) Puckett, Cheryl (Mike) Seitz and Kathy (Terry) Oliver; nine grandchildren; 18 greats and 5 great-greats; along with lots of cousins who fondly remember Aunt Lil.

She leaves us all with so many memories of shared joys, along with great respect of the life lessons she instilled in us, and with gratitude for her example of faith and her unconditional love.

Services will be held May 31, at 2 p.m., at Christ Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1900 Pine St., Sandpoint, Idaho.

To leave a message or memory for the family, go to www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Bonners Ferry Funeral Home is caring for the family.