Lillian Irene Haver

Lillian Irene Haver, 91, of New Philadelphia and formerly of Stone Creek, died Wednesday, April 11, 2007 in Schoenbrunn Healthcare at New Philadelphia.A daughter of the late Dennis Bontrager and Rebecca Jane (Milligan) Green, Lillian was born June 12, 1915 at New Philadelphia, OH and she attended school in Gribble’s one room school which was located on Crooked Run Road.When Lillian was 15, she struck a conversation with a young man named Charles, which eventually turned into romance. After about three years of spending many church activities, festivals and ice cream socials together, Charles borrowed his brother’s car and they traveled to Wheeling, West Virginia where they were married on November 4, 1933. Together, they raised seven children, Charles, Gladys, Donald, Larry, Paul, Pauline and Florence. As a family, they were active in various community events and in 1987 they were recognized as Tuscarawas County’s “Family of the Year”.Lillian was a very active member of Grace United Church of Christ at Stone Creek. Over the years, she assisted with Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Women’s Guild groups and quilting, just to name a few.She supported many activities outside of church as well. Along with Charles, she was a member of Jefferson Grange, Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau, Stone Creek Garden Club and the former Homemaker’s Club. During her children’s younger years, she assisted with 4-H activities and served on the Stone Creek Fireman’s Festival for many years.Lillian was a homemaker who enjoyed baking, sewing and arranging flowers. For her expertise in these areas, she won many ribbons at the Tuscarawas County Fair. She and Charles enjoyed cooking at chicken Bar-B-Q events and traveled throughout the county to do so.She is survived by her dear husband of 73 years, Charles Haver; children, Gladys Harrison of New Philadelphia, Donald (Nancy) Haver of Alliance, Ohio, Larry (Wilma) Haver of Seaman, Ohio, Paul Haver of New Philadelphia and Pauline (Norman) Lanzer of New Philadelphia; 10 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren and 12 great-great grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Charles Haver, a daughter, Florence Rebecca “Becky” Endlich and eight brothers and sisters.Family and friends may call on Sunday, April 15, 2007 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia with the Pomona Grange holding services at 7:30 p.m. A funeral service celebrating Lillian’s life will be held on Monday, April 16, 2007 at 11 a.m. in Grace United Church of Christ with Pastor Jim Painting officiating. Burial will follow in Stone Creek Cemetery. Following the committal service, a memorial reception will be held in the fellowship hall of the Grace United Church of Christ.Memorial contributions may be made in Lillian’s honor to Grace United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 97, Stone Creek, OH 43840.