Marjorie M. Lunders

About 4:00 P.M. on November 13, 2015, surrounded by her adoring family, one of the brightest human lights of their lives departed to join her heavenly family and the God she believed was expecting her, the God Who has become accustomed to being addressed by the opening words of her daily prayers, "Thank You, Father, for Your love..." Marjorie Minna (Eberhardt) Lunders was born at White's hospital in Lewiston, Idaho, on August 15, 1944, to Bernard Joseph and D'Alice May (Hollingsworth) Eberhardt. Her "growing up" years were spent on the family farm on Eberhardt Road just up river from Lenore, Idaho, where she acquired the many skills of motherhood working in the home and kitchen of her own capable mother, canning and preserving tons of fruit and vegetables, hunting, butchering, and preserving both wild and domestic animals, gardening, cooking large and delicious meals for family and friends, swimming in the trout pond, catching and eating the dumber trout! Marge's early schooling took place in a one-room school at Lenore, with her transferring to Lapwai through 11th grade and finishing her senior year at Lewiston after her parents left the farm in 1961 and moved to Lewiston. Her husband to be, R. (Roger) Keith Lunders had fallen hopelessly for the brown eyed beauty while sharing classes at Lapwai and welcomed the decreased mileage and transportation costs involved in a simple date, since he lived much closer to Lewiston than Lenore. She completed her formal education with a year of beauty school, never working as a beautician yet freely sharing her talents with friends and family. One thing led to another, "going steady" led to "engaged", "engaged" led to a November 10, 1962 date at a church altar where vows, rings, and "I do's" were exchanged which held them together "til death do us part", which in their case was 53 years and 3 days. Prior to their wedding the pastor who married Keith and Marge asked if he could pray for them. Little did they suspect then the impact that Godly man's petitions would have on them and their offspring, as both experienced life-changing conversions within a few months. From that day they endeavored to make Christ the center of their home. Over the years Marge and Keith lived in various locations, eventually settling in Elk River in 1977. They owned and operated a small manufacturing business of which Marge was an indispensible part, doing the bookkeeping, taking orders, assembling the products and whatever else needed to be done. All of this was in addition to her running the family home, canning, baking and caring for her family. After God, her family was the focus of Marge's life, there being no sacrifice too great for any of them. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, R. (Roger) Keith Lunders of Elk River, Idaho, her children, Eldridge Mark Lunders (Sheila) of Troy, Valorie Jean (Dionicio) Rios of Troy, Connie Sue (Eldin) Arauz of Orofino and Jeffrey Keith (Brook) Lunders of Lewiston and siblings, Alfred (Marsha) Eberhardt, Elnora (Jim) Kreisher, Fern Oliver, Roger (Patricia) Eberhardt along with many nieces and nephews. Additionally, all who lovingly called her "Grandma" and whom she lovingly claimed for her own are listed in order of age: Jon Schaper, Benjamin Lunders, Jamie Lunders, Conn Evans, Bailey Lunders, Wyatt Lunders, Seth Lunders, Ryder Sams, Morgan Sams, Kanna Evans, Abigail Lunders, and Aspyn Lunders. Marge's final days were marked by a most remarkable courage that has greatly aided her family and friends in coping with her passing. A typical example was her informing Keith very early that it was her choice and hers alone not to resort to heroics in fighting the disease (cancer) that would ravage her body. She took full responsibility for her decision because "I don't want anyone to be on a guilt trip no matter how it comes out". She lived her convictions to the very end, freely dispensing smiles and encouragement to all who crossed her path. Her choices gave her family the liberty to just enjoy whatever time she had - making the most of each moment with her. Until the last few weeks before her passing she never had a bad day and enjoyed near perfect health for most of the 10 months she lived after her cancer diagnosis. WE SORROW NOT AS OTHERS WHO HAVE NO HOPE (1 Thess. 4:13) If possible please join friends and family for a memorial celebration of Marge's life at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, November 20, 2015, at Trinity Baptist Church, 711 Fairview Drive, Moscow, Idaho. If not possible, please rest assured that Marge will be the most understanding person there. A covered dish dinner will follow the services. The family suggests memorials be made to the Elk River Community Bible Church or to a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel and viewing will be on Thursday from Noon until 8:00 PM. Online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.net.