We were heartbroken to hear the news of our sweet friend and sister in Christ.  Lena was always kind,  loving and encouraging,  always putting others before herself. This picture is from a sweet time we shared In Fredericksburg, Tx., September of 2023.

A special needlepoint Lena made for me many years ago. It hangs in my bedroom. It reads God Whom We Serve Is Able

Dear Phil, Philip, Jean and Paul,
We were so heartbroken to hear that Lena had left us, but at the same time joyful to think of her in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. We can only imagine her joy! We are so sorry for the deep loss you are all feeling and praying God with help you through your grief journey. 

Lena was such a precious friend to me in England. It's easy to feel lonely being far away from home and family, but not around Lena. She had such a sweet spirit! When she smiled her whole face lit up, especially her eyes.  Her voice was soft and soothing. We had such great times with our kids playing together, especially Philip and Jonathan.  I remember when Jean was born and Lena was so happy to have a daughter. And then Paul came.
Lena gave me a special gift to remember her that hangs in my bedroom.  It reads GOD WHOM WE SERVE IS ABLE.

After we returned to the US Lena was so faithful to send me a card for every birthday and anniversary and Christmas. She never missed one. We shared and prayed for each others struggles and she would send messages to ask how things were going. 

We were so happy when Phil and Lena came to visit us in NY in 2020. I wondered what it would be like after not seeing each other since 1995. It was just as if only a day had passed, except we had to catch up on all our life news :-).  I am so grateful to have had that visit. I know Lena really  loved her life and ministry in El Paso. We are sorry we never made it for a visit but are glad we can come there to celebrate her. 

Lena was a wonderful example of a Christian woman, wife and mom. She often shared her spiritual wisdom with me, but there is one thought that sticks with me. We were talking about being saved by God's grace, not our works. She told me she wanted her life's work to give her crowns to place at Jesus's feet. I'm confident she had many crowns and I am sure Jesus was pleased when she placed them at his feet, and I'm sure Lena's heavenly heart swelled.

We loved celebrating our kids birthdays together

We had fun sightseeing together in England

We loved having you and your family over to our house at Lakenheath  AFB England

Dear  Philip  and family, I am so sorry  for  the loss of Lena. You  are  in my thoughts at this difficult time. Sincerely,  Jennie Garcia

Dearest Phil, Paul, and Family 
     My heart goes 💔 out to you in this time of pain and sorrow that you're facing. 
  I'm in prayer for you all that God lifts you up and wraps his loving arms around you 
   I know that Mrs.Lena is up in Heaven with her Heavenly Father smiling with her bubbliness that I remember her ❤️ by.
     In sisterly love,
                  Barbara Remaley

Phil and family, Betsy and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Lena was such a wonderful person, wife, mother, friend, and Christian. We are blessed to have known her so well and for so long. We'll be praying for you all in the days and months ahead.

We became friends not too long ago—only about three years—but in that time, we truly felt a deep connection with you both. Especially when Elaine and you started talking, their conversations could last for a good while, filled with both laughter and meaningful discussions.
We’ve lost a dear friend, one we thought we’d have with us for many more years. But in His wisdom, God had a different plan. He chose to bring you home to Himself.
Thank you for your friendship—it was a gift we will always treasure. We miss you and will continue to miss you.
Phil, may the Lord continue to hold you and your children close, pouring out His grace and comfort. You are in our prayers.

Mrs. Lena was a wonderful witness of Christ to our family! Siggy still clings to some of her faithful encouragement in the Lord. Although we are so saddened by the news of sweet Mrs. Lena we are confident she is in glory. We are praying for Phil, Paul, family and friends who we mourn alongside!

- Larry & Siggy McCollum

Kerry and I send our condolences to you  Phil, and your family. I have great memories of Lena from my visit to your home while you were at Lackland NCOA. Her heart for God, her family, and life was so strong, I felt it when I walked in. 
We have watched the wonderful faith educators and disciples you both have made of your lives. We ask God to give you understanding during this time. We send prayers and love.

It was with great sadness that I learned of Lena's passing this morning. Lena will always have a special place in my heart as the ANGEL God brought to my bedside as I was near death in the ER at Ellsworth AFB in  1982. She was there to lovingly comfort me and hold my hand as I was in excruciating pain from a ruptured ectopic pregnancy. 
After my recovery we kept in touch and it was with great joy that I found out she had accepted the Lord.  We stayed in touch with letters through the years and we reunited for a short time in England when herand Phil moved there on assignment in the Air Force at about the same time we were finishing ours. We were very happy to pass on our new Ford Escort to them a meet all their children for the first time.
Lena was a shining light in this world and her passing is a huge loss for so many. I feel very blessed to have had her literally touch my life and be her friend over the years. I grieve with all of you who will miss her terribly and I pray for God's  grace for all her family and friends and for the same comfort she showed to so many.  I love you Lena

I am saddened to hear about the passing of a dear sister-in-Christ. I knew Lena from our time together at the Ellsworth AFB Navigator ministry. She was a wonderful person and true follower of Jesus. 

It's been many years since I had seen her in person, but I was always encouraged to read about her and Phil's discipleship ministry including the many pictures and family updates which they sent over the years. 

She will be greatly missed by all, but we take heart knowing she is with Jesus now and we will see her again one day. 

Prayers and condolences to my good friend Phil and the family. May the Lord be your source of comfort during this time of grief (2 Corinthians 1:3).

Phil and family, so very sorry for your sudden and unexpected loss of Lena. I rejoice with her and grieve with you. 

My memory of Lena from the early 1980s when we were both young airmen in the Air Force at Ellsworth ABB is one of great joy. Lena and I came to Christ within just months of each other and were both very involved in the Navigator ministry on the base. We did many things together. It was a delight to see her grow in her new relationship with Jesus.

Phil and I were roommates in three different settings. First in the home of Dave Lott who was disciplining us. We were both invited to live in the home of John King and family for more discipleship training. Finally we roomed together for about six months before I got married.

I remember when Lena was getting out of the Air Force and moving back to California. She shared with me her disappointment that nothing ever came of her friendship with Phil. Alas, God had not revealed His plan. Phil pursued her after she left and they were soon married!

My wife and I still remember the entire Topper family visiting us in Columbus, Nebraska a number of years ago. It was a wonderful time to catch up and to meet their children. Phil came back a number of years later and ministered to a number of the guys I was discipiling.

This takes us to what I love most about Lena and Phil. Their eyes are always on Jesus and the spiritual wellbeing of others. They have ministered faithfully for close to 40 years. Lena has heard the words, good and faithful servant. And I’m certain Phil will continue his work here on the earth.

May God bless you and sustain you and your family,
Mike and Kary Dornish

Lena, every time you saw me, I heard you say "Hello Darlin." I loved that. I haven't seen you in forever and a day, the days at Altus were made brighter because of you.  Now that you have touched the face of God, you are at rest. I pray for your family who will miss your bright sunny smile and disposition.

We will always remember Lena's beautiful smile and kindness, always excited to serve in whatever capacity she was needed. Her love as a teacher and  the children  she taught. And especially for her sweet husband Phil and her  own 
children and grandchildren. We will all miss you Lena.😞✝️🙏💜

OBITUARY

Lena C Topper

17 May, 1961 – 18 February, 2025

Martin Funeral Home East

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