Bernice Irene (Timbers) Lilly, 96, passed away October 11, 2022 at her home in Mentor, Kan., surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 4, 1926 in rural Glen Elder, Kan., to Dwight A. Timbers and Ethel O. (Margreiter) Timbers. She was united in marriage to C. Keith Lilly on February 14, 1948. They moved from Salina to Mentor and lovingly raised their six children.

She was an amazing wife, mother, home maker, and cook. She continued her delicious weekly Sunday dinners for her ever-expanding family until she was nearly 90 years old. She loved and doted on her 17 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren.

Bernice is survived by her children, Sharon Chaput (Dennis) of Granger, Ind., Linda Lilly (daughter-in-law) of Salina, Dwight (Sue) of Mentor, Susan Johnson (Mark) of Salina, Shirley Sundgren (Don) of Salina, and Sandra Seim Johnson (Kurtis) of Salina; sisters, Bernita Eberle of Glen Elder, and Berta Moss (Dan) of Salina; 17 grandchildren; and 41 great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Keith; son, David Lilly; granddaughter, Mindy Reese; son-in-law, Larry Seim; and siblings, Robert, Betty, Roy (Dot), Bonnie Newell (Bob), and Bill Eberle.

A private family graveside service will be at St. Paul’s Cemetery, near Kipp, Kan., at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Mentor United Methodist Church and Salina Animal Shelter, care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, KS, 67401.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bernice Irene (Timbers) Lilly, please visit the floral store.