Lilly Pearl Rinker

Lilly Pearl Rinker (nee Wendt) passed away peacefully on November 17th, 2025 at the Bow View Manor in Calgary at the age of 93.

She was born on September 27th, 1932, in Hilda Alberta, to parents Arthur and Lydia Wendt, the 4th of eight children. The Wendt family farmed in the Social Plains (Bindloss) area. and it was very close to there that she met her future husband Leonard Rinker, whose family farmed and ranched in the Cavendish community.

Leonard and Lilly were married on April 12, 1952, and lived above the garage on the family farm until they moved a house onto the property and started their family.

Over a span of 5 years the family expanded starting in 1953 (one day short of Lilly’s 21st birthday) with the arrival of Karen, Randy 18 months later, Rick 13 months later and for the grand finale the twins, Janet and Sharon arrived in 1958. Life was busy on the farm, and mom worked hard. No one can ever say that the life of a home maker in those days was not a full time, overtime, sometimes thankless job – but she loved that job and her family with all of her heart. She also raised her granddaughter Tamra Schnyder (nee Weatherby) from the age of 2 until her graduation when she moved to Calgary in 1989.

Lilly and Leonard lived on the farm until 1989, when they decided to retire and moved to an acreage just outside of Delburne. They loved the acreage and the community. Leonard passed on March 29, 2007. Lilly stayed on the acreage until 2012 then moved into a house in Delburne, spent lots of time baking for grandkids and neighbors, going for coffee with friends, playing tile rummy and puttering in her yard and garden.

In November 2018 she moved to Cochrane to live in the Big Hill Lodge. She remained there until 2024. After a severe fall which fractured her hip, she was forced to move into an Extended Care Unit where she could receive more care.

Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the staff of the Big Hill Lodge and the Bow View Manor for their kindness and care.

Lilly leaves behind her children, Karen Rinker, Randy (Shirley) Rinker, Rick (Donna) Rinker, Jan Tremblay (Luke Ouellette), Sharon (Gene) Skappak, granddaughter Tamra Schnyder (Clayton Balzer), 5 grandchildren Tennelle (Allan) Gilfoil (Skappak) Travis (Ora) Skappak, Joel (Adrianna) Tremblay, Jordan (Lyndsey) Tremblay, Jerri Lynn Rinker (Chris) and 12 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her grandson Tyler John (TJ) Rinker, her parents Arthur and Lydia Wendt, sisters Betty (Clarence) Rinker, Loretta (Walter) Fisher, Alma Wendt, Helen (Ray) Davis, and brother James Wendt, brother-in-law Henry (Lorien) Rinker, Roy Becker. She is survived by siblings Wayne (Myna) Wendt and Linda Becker.

Lilly had a deep faith in God and although she was tested many times, her faith and love of her family kept her going. May she soar with the angels as we keep her in our hearts until we meet again.

A celebration of Lilly’s life will be held on Saturday, May 9th, 2026 at 1:00 pm, officiated by Dr. Shane Andrus at the Chartwell Club House – 62 Chartwell Place SE Medicine Hat, Alberta. A reception will follow where friends and family can share memories.