Lila Cruikshank

Lila Wright Cruikshank, 98, a longtime resident of Atlanta, died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, the 22nd of October, 2013 at home at Lenbrook Square. Lila was preceded in death by her husband Jim in 1986; son, Jim in 2001; and daughter, Jean Willingham in 2001. Surviving are her sister, Penny Pfeifer of Oceanside, CA; son, Bob Cruikshank of Atanta; granddaughters, Lila Willingham Shirley and Beth Willingham Williams; grandsons, Allen, Chris, Kevin, Norman, Clarke, and Jim Cruikshank, Win and Tom Willingham; and 14 great-grandchildren. Born on the 5th of February, 1915 in Portland, Maine, Lila moved to southern California in 1922, where she graduated high school, married James Cowden Cruikshank and had three children. Lila and Jim moved to Georgia in 1948 to develop and establish Dairy Queen stores throughout the state. She was a devoted wife and loving mother. In addition, she was an outstanding baker who baked over one hundred birthday cakes for her grandchildren fashioned in every form including clowns, pirates, bears, and dolls. In addition to birthday cakes she baked a signature banana cake that was enjoyed and requested by all who ate it. Lila painted portraits of all of her family members. As a skilled seamstress she sewed clothing for her daughters, grandchildren, and many others throughout the years. Lila was a Girl Scout Leader but possibly her greatest attribute was her wonderful, and contagious smile. She loved everyone and touched many lives in a very positive way. Lila will be missed by all of the family, her close friends, and everyone that she met. Memorial services celebrating Lila’s life will be held Saturday, the 26th of October at two o’clock at St. John United Methodist Church, 550 Mt. Paran Road, NW, Atlanta, Georgia 30327. Prior to the memorial service the family will have gathered for a private interment at Arlington Memorial Park. The family prefers that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Salvation Army, P. O. Box 49247, Atlanta, GA 30359 or Lila’s church, St John United Methodist. Friends are cordially invited to visit with the family Friday evening from six until eight o’clock at H. M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Road, NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.