Tessie Lila (nee Lemke) Ingham

It is with deep love and great sadness that the family of Tessie Ingham announce her passing on December 25, 2025. Born August 29, 1931, Tessie was proud of her age of 94. She lived a full life with family and friends around her. Tessie spent her life in Lanigan, SK where she was known for her warmth, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Tessie was a creative and crafty woman. She was an excellent cook, and demonstrated her love for family with her delicious meals and had many fans of her apple coffee cake! She had excellent sewing skills making everything from Halloween costumes to draperies, enjoyed crocheting (every grandchild has at least 1 afghan), and did quilting with her mom. Even in the Lodge she participated in crafts and whatever activities were offered there. Tessie always had a yard full of flowers and fed the hummingbirds with a feeder right by the kitchen window so she could spot them.

Tessie was proud of her career with Saskatchewan Telephone as a telephone operator. She did this in Lanigan and in Saskatoon while Allister attended University. She was also a secretary at Ingham Industries for years. She was instrumental in publishing ‘As The Snow Flies’ then selling the books at tradeshows and by special order all over the world.

Tessie enjoyed camping. The family moved up in equipment from tenting, to the boler, a camper van, then motor home. They travelled extensively in Canada and the United States to explore for the summer. She continued camping after dad’s passing. She was joined by her children and grandchildren at a seasonal site at Good Spirit for many years.

Tessie was busy in her community; she was part of the UCW and was part of a work group to help with different events. She enjoyed visiting with her neighbors, where once a week the ladies would get together taking turns hosting coffee. Tessie loved to set a proper table with fancy teacups and saucers. She had a large collection from over the years, many included a legend of who gave them to her or how they came into her possession. 

She was excited about her new home at the Carlton. The freedom from stairs added years of enjoyment, she was able to participate and enjoy 13 years there without the concern of mobility obstructions. She appreciated the safety of building and the proximity of friends and fellowship. She made it a comfortable home and her family enjoyed visiting there.

When mom moved to the Lodge because of her mobility issues, she made the most of everything it offered. The activities and entertainment kept her busy.

Tessie leaves to mourn her passing: her children Don (Brenda) Ingham and Lori Ingham; grandchildren Allison (Brady) Desrosiers, Bradley Ingham, Julian (Bailey) Blow, and Daniel (Renee) Blow; great grandchildren William, Mason, Sierra, and Landon; sister Merlyn (Jack) Stephen, brother Leslie (Sheila) Lemke, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her loving husband, Allister Ingham; parents Adolf and Helen Lemke; brother Bill Lemke, and sisters Annie Mann and Dorothy Ullrich.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

The family also offers thanks to the staff at the Lanigan Lodge; the friends and neighbors at the Carlton; Rod and Lyzanne Friesen for many meals delivered and visits; Bev and Norm Stephan for mail pick-up / delivery, safety checks and being our contact when needed; Judy Aubin for being mom’s helper in many ways; Jeanette Warrian for keeping mom part of the church congregation; and everyone in the community of Lanigan that extended kindness towards mom.

A Funeral Service was held on Friday, January 2, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. from Knox United Church, Lanigan, officiated by Rev. Prince Nkhoswe. Interment followed in the Lanigan Public Cemetery.