Lillian Lee Pengra

Lillian Lee Raetz was born on October 30, 1928, in Rapid City, South Dakota to Arthur E. and Anna Lee (Fenner) Raetz. Lillian lived on the family farm at Dalzell, SD until the family moved to Lead, SD when she was 7 years old. Lillian attended school in Lead through her high school graduation in 1947. Lillian was Miss LHS (Homecoming Queen) her senior year.

In August of 1947, Lillian married George F. Wilsey and moved to Pedro, SD, where they ranched and started having children . . . lots of children. The Wilsey family moved to Sturgis in 1965. Lillian worked at Weimer’s Bakery and then as a cashier at the Piggly Wiggly. Lillian was active in the United Methodist Church while living in Sturgis. George passed away in 1974.

In December of 1983, Lillian married Dr. Robert Pengra and moved to Brookings, SD. Lillian and Bob were very active in the Brookings United Methodist Church, the Senior Citizens Center and various SDSU campus activities. Lillian and Bob moved to Fruita, Colorado, in 2008. They immediately got involved in the Fruita United Methodist Church and the Fruita Senior Citizens group as well. Bob passed away in 2013.

Lillian’s early married years were consumed with taking care of her large family. She always enjoyed dancing and in later years enjoyed traveling. Simply visiting children got her all over the country and a few international trips as well. In most recent years, Lillian loved family gatherings and short outings with her children. What made her eyes light up the very most were visits from her great grandchildren.

Lillian is survived by sons, Cy Wilsey (Chris), Reno, NV, Don Wilsey (Barb), Grants, NM, Joe Wilsey (Reatha), Prescott Valley, AZ, Gary Wilsey, Grand Junction, Colorado. Surviving daughters include Roxie Glover (Rome), Yakima, WA, Winnie Storm (Jimmy) Fruita, Colorado, Leslie Maggi (Julio), Littleton, Colorado, Angela Robinson (Lance), Houston, TX and Carrie Jean Epperson (Doug), Grand Junction. Lillian had 23 grandchildren and 26 (+ two on the way) great grandchildren.

Lillian was preceded in death by husbands George and Bob, daughter Kathryn (Katie) McBrayer, one granddaughter, two great grandchildren, three brothers, Encell, Arthur and Dick Raetz and three sisters, Lorene Miglia, Eva Stetter and Vesta Davies.

A memorial has been established at Fruita United Methodist Church, 405 E Aspen, Fruita, CO 81521 or the charity of your choice.