October 7, 2023
October 7, 2023
Happy Birthday Mom!
I still think of something I want to call and talk to you about almost every day. I miss you…
I still think of something I want to call and talk to you about almost every day. I miss you…
We are very saddened to share that Lila passed away on February 2nd, 2022, after a brief but valiant struggle with complications from major surgery. Her final hours were peaceful and attended by family.
A formal memorial service will not be planned. Lila requested to have her family scatter her ashes at a location that was special to them.
Lila is survived by Harry (Hep) – her husband of 50 years, her son – Jeff (Zakiya), her daughters – Lisa (Kurt) Stoner and Rebecca (Michael) Slater, her grandchildren – Ardra, Devin, Sara, Ashley, Kayla, Jamie, Aaron (they all called her “Nana”), and her 8 great-grandchildren.
Lila was predeceased by her parents, Vernon and Opal Snow, and both of her brothers, Vernon Jr., and Russell.
In lieu of flowers, Lila would like gifts to be made to:
Those are just simple facts. But there’s more to read about who Lila was and what she meant to others. If you’re interested, please click on her LIFE tab (above) or click HERE. Also, please feel free to share your own thoughts and fond memories by adding them to her STORIES.
A formal memorial service will not be planned. Lila requested to have her family scatter her ashes at a location that was special to them.
Lila is survived by Harry (Hep) – her husband of 50 years, her son – Jeff (Zakiya), her daughters – Lisa (Kurt) Stoner and Rebecca (Michael) Slater, her grandchildren – Ardra, Devin, Sara, Ashley, Kayla, Jamie, Aaron (they all called her “Nana”), and her 8 great-grandchildren.
Lila was predeceased by her parents, Vernon and Opal Snow, and both of her brothers, Vernon Jr., and Russell.
In lieu of flowers, Lila would like gifts to be made to:
Those are just simple facts. But there’s more to read about who Lila was and what she meant to others. If you’re interested, please click on her LIFE tab (above) or click HERE. Also, please feel free to share your own thoughts and fond memories by adding them to her STORIES.
Tributes
Leave a tribute
February 2, 2023
February 2, 2023
Well Mom, it has been a year since we lost you.
Not a day goes by without something coming up that I want to tell you about. You were so much a part of everything I do.
I miss you…I know they say it will get easier as time passes - it is apparently going to take a lot of time.
“It is what it is” - always in my heart,
Lisa
Not a day goes by without something coming up that I want to tell you about. You were so much a part of everything I do.
I miss you…I know they say it will get easier as time passes - it is apparently going to take a lot of time.
“It is what it is” - always in my heart,
Lisa
October 7, 2022
October 7, 2022
Happy Birthday Mom. I still miss you every.single.day
You were my best friend and strongest supporter, no matter what craziness I was about to dive into.
You made me who I am today. You will always be with me.
Love,
Lisa
You were my best friend and strongest supporter, no matter what craziness I was about to dive into.
You made me who I am today. You will always be with me.
Love,
Lisa
February 22, 2022
February 22, 2022
I was lucky enough to meet Lila whilst I was volunteering at Peace River Refuge several years ago now. She was the sweetest, kindest lady. I was so homesick and missing my family and friends back home in the UK but Lila popped by for a few days with Hep and she made me feel so welcome and we chatted about home and our love of the outdoors. She instantly made me feel 'at home' even though I was so far away from my own home. Her legacy and love will live on and I will always remember her kindness. I'm thinking of all those who knew her and loved her.
February 10, 2022
February 10, 2022
Lila was such an integral part of Forrest Animal Rescue. Her dedication & strength was so inspiring to the volunteers & everyone who met her. She can never be replaced or forgotten.
February 7, 2022
February 7, 2022
Like all of Lisa's friends, I only knew her as Mom. Her gentle kindness and sense of humor were like no other. I will very much miss her....
February 6, 2022
February 6, 2022
Some years ago Julie and I were surprised to learn the empty house across the street had new owners that we’re actually living in it. We soon met the wonderful duo of Lila and Harry and were thrilled. Over the years we enjoyed getting to know them well and hear all sorts of stories about the fun and adventurous escapades they have had. Lila was a very creative and dynamic person who never failed to rise to the occasion when people or animals were in need. She had the energy of a power plant and the strength of an army. Her unselfish caring and witty kindness will be greatly missed.
February 5, 2022
February 5, 2022
We met Lila many years ago through our work with the sanctuary. Not only did you immediately feel welcomed by her, you felt like you were part of the family. Her compassion for the animals and her pleasant nature will live with us in our hearts. We pray she is at peace.
February 5, 2022
February 5, 2022
I've known Lila since I was 15 years old and I don't remember her ever raising her voice. She would simply sit down with you and explain how your actions could impact others...she made you think beyond yourself. She was always the voice of wisdom and she was very forgiving.
Although she wasn't my Mother, I called her "Mom". She always treated me as one of the kids. She had 3 biological children, but many "kids". I loved getting Christmas Cards from her...always signed "Mom and Hep".
A few years ago and stayed with her and Hep for a couple nights while visiting Lisa. Imagine my surprise when she had a picture of my daughter up on wall! When I commented about it, she said, "of course it's up there!". Why would I even doubt it?
"Mom"...you were one in a million! I'm going to miss you. ❤
Although she wasn't my Mother, I called her "Mom". She always treated me as one of the kids. She had 3 biological children, but many "kids". I loved getting Christmas Cards from her...always signed "Mom and Hep".
A few years ago and stayed with her and Hep for a couple nights while visiting Lisa. Imagine my surprise when she had a picture of my daughter up on wall! When I commented about it, she said, "of course it's up there!". Why would I even doubt it?
"Mom"...you were one in a million! I'm going to miss you. ❤
February 5, 2022
February 5, 2022
I am honored and thankful to have known Lila! I met her through her daughter Lisa when I started volunteering at Forest Animal Rescue five years ago. Lila was part of my F.A.R. family. There were many dinners and gatherings to celebrate special days and events that she was a part of and she was such a joy to be around, always happy with a big beautiful smile! I am deeply saddened by her passing and I will miss seeing her. My deepest condolences to Lisa & Kurt, Hep and all of Lila’s family and friends! May your precious memories bring you comfort. Rest in peace dear Lila!
February 5, 2022
February 5, 2022
She was always like a mom to me. I remember spending the night almost every weekend with Becky and playing games and hanging out. This was my second family. Love and prayers to all of you ❤️
February 5, 2022
February 5, 2022
I worked with Lila throughout the years at the bank. She was a sweet and kind person. We didn't sit close to each other but she would come to my cubicle to talk and giggle about silly things just to get through the day. When she moved to Florida to work at the refuge, we still kept in touch via Facebook. You are with God now, Lila, no more pain, just contentment and beauty. I am sure God has some critters up there for you to watch. You were a great lady. I am proud to have known you and called you my friend. RIH
February 5, 2022
February 5, 2022
Mom -
Our chats were always fun, open, and honest. It always felt like we were picking up right where we left off, no matter how much time had passed since our last conversation.
Your openness and non-judgemental approach to situations helped me to develop the same way of looking at life, and has improved all of my relationships.
I’m a better person because of who you were. Thank you for being there.
I love you
Our chats were always fun, open, and honest. It always felt like we were picking up right where we left off, no matter how much time had passed since our last conversation.
Your openness and non-judgemental approach to situations helped me to develop the same way of looking at life, and has improved all of my relationships.
I’m a better person because of who you were. Thank you for being there.
I love you
February 5, 2022
February 5, 2022
Mom - you have been my best friend and strongest advocate. All of the kindness in me was taught and nurtured by you. You have always been my inspiration....I love you more....
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
October 7, 2023
October 7, 2023
Happy Birthday Mom!
I still think of something I want to call and talk to you about almost every day. I miss you…
I still think of something I want to call and talk to you about almost every day. I miss you…
February 2, 2023
February 2, 2023
Well Mom, it has been a year since we lost you.
Not a day goes by without something coming up that I want to tell you about. You were so much a part of everything I do.
I miss you…I know they say it will get easier as time passes - it is apparently going to take a lot of time.
“It is what it is” - always in my heart,
Lisa
Not a day goes by without something coming up that I want to tell you about. You were so much a part of everything I do.
I miss you…I know they say it will get easier as time passes - it is apparently going to take a lot of time.
“It is what it is” - always in my heart,
Lisa
October 7, 2022
October 7, 2022
Happy Birthday Mom. I still miss you every.single.day
You were my best friend and strongest supporter, no matter what craziness I was about to dive into.
You made me who I am today. You will always be with me.
Love,
Lisa
You were my best friend and strongest supporter, no matter what craziness I was about to dive into.
You made me who I am today. You will always be with me.
Love,
Lisa
Gallery
This is a great picture,of one of the times we visited and had dinner at Lila's home, we will miss h
Lila and Hep.
Sara - Grandchild (from WAY back)
Ashley - Grandchild (from WAY back)
Ardra and Devin - Grandchildren (from WAY back)
One of many display cabinets filled with figurines
Sometimes the figurines were able to escape
Her Life
Lila's Marriage
February 5, 2022
Lila and Harry went to high school together. However, they didn’t start dating until 1971, years after they had both graduated. At that point, they both had previous marriages that hadn’t worked out.
At the time her son Jeff was 7 years old, and her daughter Lisa was 6 years old. Lila and Harry dated for about six months and often spent the weekends having family adventures.
They married on September 17, 1971. In 1973 Lila gave birth to Rebecca. Last year they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
Lila's Career and Pastimes
February 5, 2022
After retiring from many years as a Loan Specialist in the banking industry,
Lila enjoyed offering her support as Secretary/Officer of Forest Animal Rescue and President of the
Woods and Lakes Homeowners Association.
You always knew you were special when she made a card and matching envelope for your birthday - designed and printed at home just for you.
You always knew you were special when she made a card and matching envelope for your birthday - designed and printed at home just for you.
Lila's Personality
February 5, 2022
A very large portion of Lila's personality must have been "inherited" from her mom ("Mimi"). They were so much alike.
Lila always demonstrated a calm demeanor, and only had positive things to say (usually). Sometimes she would get upset by people behaving badly, but rarely let that show.
Lila was soft-spoken and kind to everyone. If you have ever heard her yell or speak harshly, please add that to the STORIES page. We would all love to hear about something as unusual as that.
Lila was very practical. She was inclined to navigate chaotic situations in a composed and thoughtful manner. She might be ruffled underneath, but her preference was to help others remain calm by being calm herself.
Lila’s influence was gentle but profound. Her endearing nature left enduring impressions. She was a bright spark in this world and will be deeply missed by many.
Lila always demonstrated a calm demeanor, and only had positive things to say (usually). Sometimes she would get upset by people behaving badly, but rarely let that show.
Lila was soft-spoken and kind to everyone. If you have ever heard her yell or speak harshly, please add that to the STORIES page. We would all love to hear about something as unusual as that.
Lila was very practical. She was inclined to navigate chaotic situations in a composed and thoughtful manner. She might be ruffled underneath, but her preference was to help others remain calm by being calm herself.
Lila’s influence was gentle but profound. Her endearing nature left enduring impressions. She was a bright spark in this world and will be deeply missed by many.
Recent stories
Brown Road Home
March 1, 2022
by Becky Naugle
I am so sorry for your loss, Lila was a special caring sincere person. I had worked with her at Farmers Savings Bank, later I became a Realtor and Hep and Lila contacted me to help them to their next journey to Florida. The market was very distressed the first time we marketed the home. Lila and Hep contacted me again when they decided to sell again and it was a success. So sorry she wasn't able to enjoy longer for that was her dream to move to Florida. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family
The Pacemaker
February 7, 2022
by Sandi Ebben
So, it was one of the first times that I had met Lila and we were sitting in Lisa's kitchen with a few others discussing Lila's pacemaker. She was telling us that if it sensed that her heart needed a jolt to get it to beat properly, then it would light up (like Ironman) or beep a warning or something. No one should touch her while this was happening because they would get shocked too. Which prompted me to comment "So, what you're saying is that you're a human stun gun?" To which we all laughed and then came up with various scenarios where that could really come in handy.
So Lila, unbeknownst to all but a few was really a super hero in disguise. Secure in only using her powers for good, she always remained calm in the most chaotic of situations but if you were ever to get her heart pumping angry - beware - she could have gone all-out "Tazer" on you.
So Lila, unbeknownst to all but a few was really a super hero in disguise. Secure in only using her powers for good, she always remained calm in the most chaotic of situations but if you were ever to get her heart pumping angry - beware - she could have gone all-out "Tazer" on you.
My other mother
February 5, 2022
Lila was my 2nd mom. I was over at the Hepner house on Decant Road at least several times a week all throughout junior high and high school. Or we were all over at Mimi's playing cards, or at the YMCA, or camping - I was always graciously included where ever the family was going. Because that was her - gracious, kind, loving, and generous. When I had troubles, she was accepting and reassuring. And funny, oh my gosh. She set the tone for a home that was comfortable, inviting, and fun to be around. You could just be yourself, and if that was a little offbeat, even better. All of my memories of her just blend into a collage of her smiling or laughing.