Gigi is sitting by Jesus' side right now

It is with joy and sadness that we celebrate Peter's Mom as she graduated to Heaven and now is with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She is greatly loved and will be deeply missed. Peter was able to fly out to be with her and his family for her final days. It was such a blessing for their whole family to be together and walk through these days together. Peter will be home this coming Monday.

Here is her Obituary from the local news paper:

The family of Linda Lou (Wilson) Schug announces her graduation from life on earth to life eternal in Heaven where she will be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, forever. She graduated on October 17, 2009 after a seven year journey with cancer.

Linda was born in Kansas City, Missouri, grew up in Oregon and Colorado. While at college, she met me, Timothy, and we married three years later, moved to Billings, Montana where we spent 39 wonderful and fantastic years. During that period we raised three exceptional children; Nathan (and wife Sarah with children Peyton, Brady and Mackenzie), Peter (and wife Rebecca with children Isaiah and Susannah) and Deborah (Schug) Palmer (and husband Eric Palmer and they plan to have children). Linda was a teacher at Fishtail School in rural Fishtail, Montana for one year and then taught second grade at Lockwood Elementary School for 5 years before becoming a full time MOM. Together we served in various ministries at Billings Bible Church and loved serving, working, helping, encouraging and cooking at Clydehurst Christian Ranch.

Linda’s treasured friends say: “You have been my friend, non-judging; showing me your love and care.” “We’ve done so much together: Young Couples Sunday School and fellowships; having 3 kids each and raising them (not to mention seeing them married and having those grand kids!); Clydehurst Family Camps and work weekends (you are an amazing cook – both for small and large groups;…” “…just for being the dear, sweet, thoughtful, funny and generous friend that you are.” “…your gentle spirit was even more apparent to me. Your faithfulness in serving the Lord in so many ways is very becoming as a believer.” “…you have added joy to my life, too! Your infectious laughter and funny ‘Linda-isms’ have happily caused many of my crow’s feet and laugh-line wrinkles!” “Your hospitality is always from your heart.” “Over the years you have opened your home and your heart to us and many others and we are so appreciative of that.” “…for your openness in allowing God to work through you for His honor and glory.” “You have set a good example for your kids in your relationship with Tim. I know that your kids love and respect you dearly.” “I’m thinking of and treasuring all the times we’ve spent together, such as the many times you came to camp and made crepes and special breakfasts [for the staff].” And the one shared by all – “I praise the Lord that I am one of the fortunate ones to say, ‘Linda Schug is my friend.’”

For those who would like to celebrate this graduation, please join us at Emmanuel Baptist Church in the Shiloh Room on November 24, 2009 from 6:30 to 9:00 PM. Any gifts or memorials are requested to be given to Clydehurst Christian Ranch (1201 Grand Ave, Suite #8, Billings, MT 59102) for the continued spread of the Good News that Jesus Christ is the Savior of any person willing to believe.

Please continue to uphold our family and Peter's Dad in your prayers as we learn what life is like without their Wife, Mom, Mom-in-law or Gigi.

Here is one of my favorite pictures of Gigi and Susannah from when Peter's parent visited us in Asia.