MARGARET LYDIA LINDEKE

Beloved wife, mother and friend, Mrs. Margaret L. Lindeke, died at home of cancer on Feb. 21, 2002. She was born Margaret Lydia McElhinney in Snover, Mich. on June 18, 1924. While in Bible college, young Margaret worked in Alaska as a summer missionary. Alaska became her permanent home when she graduated from Moody Bible Institute in 1949.

On June 23, 1951, Margaret married Sidney C. Lindeke, a co-worker at Lazy Mountain Children's home near Palmer. Until 1972, the Lindeke's served the Lord together as house parents at The Children's Home. Four children, two boys and two girls, were born to them, and 50-some foster children called them Aunt Margaret and Uncle Sid. Margaret was a 4-H leader beginning in Michigan, then as part of her duties for the children's home, and later as a parent for the Creators 4-H Club on Lazy Mountain. She received a jeweled pin for 50 years of 4-H leadership.

In the early 1970s the Lindeke's agreed to teach the two- and three-year-olds' Sunday school class at Lazy Mountain Bible Church.

They team taught as "Grandma Margaret and Grandpa Sid" for 23 years. Margaret also taught crafts and quilting to adults in the Salvation Army's Home League and volunteered at the food bank.

Last summer, Sidney and Margaret celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. At that time, Margaret was again battling cancer. Her battle began almost 20 years ago with breast cancer. She lived life uncomplaining, one day at a time, trusting her Lord to see her through.

Margaret is survived by her husband and best friend, Sidney C. Lindeke; their four children Nathan Lindeke, Lydia Wood, Priscilla Brown and Daniel Lindeke; grandchildren, Maggie Rye, Larry and Sidney Wood, Caron and Teresa Brown, Terence and Philip Lindeke, Alex, Dan, Chris and Raymond Lindeke, Cody Bies and Erin Edgett; great grandchildren Megan, Caitlainne, Christina and Maxwell; her sister Ardis Bentley, and two brothers, Dean and Ross McElhinney; and by many grown foster children including Amel, Olga, Nick and Susan McCarlo.

Friends are invited to a memorial service honoring her life beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, at Lazy Mountain Bible Church. Pastor Bob Lee will officiate. Alumni of Margaret's two's and three's class and years of 4-H and craft classes will be recognized.

Guests are invited to bring a dish and stay for a potluck supper and reception immediately following. Those who have items made by Margaret are invited to bring them for show-and-tell during the open microphone portion of the service. Others who have items that were made in Margaret's various classes over the years are also invited to show or tell. "Let the work of her own hands praise her." (Proverbs 31:31)

Gifts can be made to the Margaret Lindeke Memorial Fund at the Matanuska Valley Federal Credit Union. Please call 746-4981 for more information.