Lila Ann Rosanbalm

Shortly after Lila’s birth, the family moved back to Tekamah, Nebraska to farm the land, raise cattle and chickens. Lila raised a cow for showing at the Burt County Fair 4H, only to have it step on her toe the day of the event. She won anyway! Many memories were made on the farm, in spite of the long walks to school and the very cold winters.

After graduation from high school, Lila moved to Fremont and soon met the love of her life at the Nebraska Ordinance Plant. A good looking man in a shiny new car, Bill swept her off her feet. Following a seven month romance, they married in a snowy winter storm on December 14, 1952 and moved to Kansas City.

Two daughters, Becky and Sherry, were born in 1953 and 1955. Lila had a way of making every day special. From birthday parties to picking fresh fruits and vegetables for canning and freezing, being a room mother, tent making in the living room, tea parties, dress up contests, Christmas celebrations, and many sleepovers for girlfriends. Her touch and flair was in everything…including sack lunches, her beautiful flower gardens and baking special treats for the family.

While raising the girls, Lila had a career at Troug & Nichols taking service calls, followed by sales at the beloved Jones Store. In addition to being a Camp Fire Leader, she worked at The KC Council of Camp Fire Girls. Lila and Bill then found their calling and passion for serving God at Ridgeview Community Christian Church. Along with being an Elder and a Deacon, she worked in the office keeping everything running smoothly with her dear friend, Sally. Her heart was filled with church dinners, bulletin boards, church programs and making the church beautiful for special holidays. Lila was a member there for 37 years.

Lila had three sisters, Katherine Conklin, Mildred Clark, Margaret Vahling, and two brothers, Carroll Potter and John Potter, all deceased.

Her pride and joy was being a grandmother to Carrie Feeley (Ed Feeley) and Brent Shouse (Melissa Shouse). Great grandchildren then added the icing on the cake with Kelsey Hampton, Emma Feeley, Paige Feeley, Kelly Feeley, and Meg Feeley and Kodi Shouse (Julie), Cameron Shouse, Gabe Shouse, and Allison Shouse. Attending music concerts, plays, dance competitions, and sporting events were all highlights in her life.

Lila is survived by her two daughters Becky Shouse and Sherry Ainsworth and all the above. Bill and Lila happily celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice House.