Lillian was a friend I met at church.  She never forgot and always had a smile.  I always like to sit upfront at church during daily mass. Lillian was always in the pews across the aisle from me.  She was so devoted  to our Lord.  My deepest sympathy to all the family.  I know that she is rejoicing with Ted.  

When I moved to Abilene I lost contact with her for while but did always keep up with her getting messages from friends.

Dear Mom Dugger,
Even though I came late to the party, I have some really great memories.  You and I shared a love of birds, Robins being your favorite. I still have that giant book of birds and refer to it often.  I remember your garden and how you took us on a back yard tour every time we came by. (And your roses!)I fondly recall your meals which always included a salad and a dessert. Ill remember the first time we met, and now,  the sad goodbye. 
Your loving daughter-in-law,
Pam

Dear Mom,
As I celebrate your life I shake my head in wonder as I think about how remarkable it was.  It was a life of good example and service to others, a life that spanned almost 40 percent of the time that America has existed!  It was a life that left an indelible family legacy in terms of personal values and behaviors that are now evident in your children, grandchildren, and your great grandchildren.
It’s a lifetime that took you from growing up in a house that had no electricity into today’s world of the internet, personal computers, and email.  There were so many extraordinary hardships along the way – the Great Depression – World War II – the Cold War.  And, you bore four children in six years and raised us so well during times when the intractable struggle of a daily life was not eased by the labor saving devices considered so essential today.  I have to say that no one in our family today would know how to properly stoke a stove fueled by corn cobs or take a horse to school.  And somehow, you also found the time and energy to lead community organizations and have a 35 year career as a pediatric nurse – helping thousands of toddlers and newborn babies- saving the lives of many of the new ones. 
You were a great mom.  We participated in life.  Every special occasion was made “special” somehow.  I was particularly impressed by your determination to fight through and overcome the culture that restricted girls to a fourth grade education.  Your eventual high school graduation in the top 20% educational tier in our country and your nursing school diploma and registered nursing license were even more distinguished. 
To say “Thank You” for gifts of this magnitude always proves to be far too inadequate.  An expression that comes closer is one penned by the British writer and preacher, John Bunyan.  He said: “You Have Not Lived (today) Until You Have Done Something for Someone Who Can Never Repay You”.  By those standards I can say that you lived your life very well

The day Grandma (GiGi, for “Great Grandma”) passed away. Linley, age 5, made a paper phone that we imagined was magic and could connect us with her in heaven. Linley has had a few conversations already and it helps her to talk about how happy GiGi is now, being in heaven with Jesus and all her family and friends that have passed before.

Everything I know about what a grandmother is, is wrapped up in you. You loved me so well. You spoiled me, but just the right amount. You taught me lessons by your example that have stuck with me all my life and have shaped the way I teach my own children now. I have a lifetime of memories of Christmases and times we’ve visited, trips we’ve taken together. You and Grandpa got us kids each summer for two weeks. You came to see my concerts. You came for graduations, weddings, and just because. I’ll never forget how you made Uncle Tom drive you and Grandpa to Georgia when my son was born because you just couldn’t wait any longer to meet him. You looked him over and pronounced him “perfect” and I felt like I’d won an award. 
There is a picture of you and my daughter Linley taken on your 100th birthday. I think of you two as the family bookends...youngest and oldest. All of the rest of us are the books in between. You stood us all up straight and steady. So even though you’re  gone now we remain standing steady and strong thanks to you. I’ll see you soon, Grandma, and I love you so. We used to sign all our letters - later, emails - to one another using Xs and Os for hugs and kisses. So, here are some for you and some for Grandpa too. XOXOXOXO Love, Kara

Mom Dugger, you are now at peace and with Grandpa. You fought the battle and did as good as you could. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your taking me in to your family after my parents were gone. The four of us had many good times together whether traveling, playing cards or sharing meals. There are many other countless memories that will stay with me. I will make sure Larry, Tom, John, and Cathy behave for you. Hope you beat Grandpa in all the card games! Love, Helen

Mom, it is difficult coming to terms with the fact that you are no longer here. You’ve always been here—as long as each of us kids have been alive. I don’t recognize life without you. You were a good Mom to have: supportive, consoling, inspiring and instructive. You always made every event special for us and remembered every significant date in everyone’s life and did something to celebrate those things. You were hard working but were also capable of having fun. Our version of life is how you led us to see it. It is emptier now without you to share it with, but I feel you have shown us how to deal with it, so that is how we will carry on. You find your happiness and joy now in heaven with Dad and your own family members whom you haven’t seen in many years. You survived a long, challenging life and waited a long time for these reunions. Well, Mom, the time is now. I always remember you waving goodbye to us whenever we left after a visit, so I wave to you as you return home, but it’s not goodbye; it’s till I get there. Love you.

The final chapter has closed now with the passing of my mother, Lillian. She and dad always made the best team at Christmas time.  Dad was the frontman, the greeter, Mr.  Cheer dressed in red, making drinks. Mom on the other hand, was behind the scenes, decorating, cranking out the food; the baking making the feast special. Now. They are back together using whatever Heaven has to offer making it as good as it gets. 
I took away from both of them many things that shaped my life.  My love of carpentry and woodworking goes way deeper than mother and father., as does my love of gardening instilled by Mom. She had a green thumb and taught me much as I spaded up her garden in Lincoln. I learned from her and most  of it istuck with me. Mom, I have to tell you, my bed is still not made sorry.
You ur loving son,. John.

There are so many memories that it is hard to select one, especially when I've been her niece all of my life. One of my favorite thoughts and pictures is one of the the Wedding Pictures of Lil and Ned on their Wedding Day. In the picture they are holding a baby girl (myself), who is about 7-8 months old. Now in the time of their wedding , it would look like they were holding "their" baby. That would not have been a socially correct picture  then. We always enjoyed laughter about how brave my aunt and uncle were to have a photographer take our picture at that time. One of my cherished possessions is that photo. May we be allowed to share even more of those memories.

Mom you had a good long life and experienced so many different changes in the world. You accomplished many things in your life. You became a registered nurse and helped so many babies and adults along your career path. Most importantly you were our mother. You taught us to be strong, independent, caring  and contributing people. For that I thank you. Rest in Peace. I am glad you and Dad are back together for eternity.

OBITUARY

Mrs. Lillian C Dugger

October 29, 1919 – April 8, 2020

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