Elvira Penner (nee Friesen), our mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away peacefully in Maryfield, Saskatchewan, on December 3, 2011 at 85 years of age. She was born in Ile des Chenes, Manitoba July 11, 1926. She grew up and attended school in Steinbach. At 16 she was baptised upon her confession of faith in the shed blood of Christ. While attending Steinbach Bible Institute, Elvira met an eligible bachelor instructor, Archie Penner, whom she married May 18, 1947 upon graduation. Her life took on many different roles besides that of wife, and mother. She became an editor, proof reader, and typist of manuscripts, breadwinner, encourager, travel guide and even a farmer. Mom stood behind the scenes as Dr. Penner took an interesting career path which started in Steinbach, Manitoba, then Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Ohio before returning to Steinbach and Kola, Manitoba and enjoying the "retired life on the farm" near her children and grandchildren where dad continued to write and research. When dad's health began to decline, they moved to Brandon, Manitoba where mom cared for dad until his death in 2007. Her health also declined and she went to live with her daughter. But, as she regained strength she moved into the Sunrise Villa in Maryfield, Saskatchewan. Our family is very thankful for the care and friendships she had at the Villa. She will always be lovingly remembered by her son Jim (Joy) of Airdrie, Alberta, daughter Luci (Bob) Yutzy of Virden, Manitoba, and son Earl of Regina, Saskatchewan, as well as 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren and their families. She will also be remembered by her sisters, Katie (Arley) Reimer and Violet (Crayton) Weese and brother Leander (Joyce) Friesen, as well as sisters-in-law Adina (Doug) Robb, and Ruby Plett. She was predeceased by parents Paul and Marie Friesen, two brothers and a sister-in-law Edgar and Lottie Friesen, Glenn Friesen, and two infant brothers. Our family remembers her many exaggerated stories and extreme fear of snakes and anything furry. Vivid in our memories will be "Archie du schlapst en" especially as we made our treks driving all night from our U.S. home back to visit our relatives in Steinbach usually summer and Christmas. The funeral will take place Saturday, December 10, at 11:00 a.m. at Birchwood Funeral Chapel, Steinbach, MB, with interment at Prairie Rose Cemetery, Landmark, MB. Donations may be made to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, 400 – 280 Smith Street; Winnipeg, MB R3C 1K2