Lillian Opal Wallace

Lillian Opal (Bowser) Wallace passed away peacefully on February 6, 2025, at Casey's Pond in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Her daughter Lynn, granddaughter Riley, and loving husband, Wendell, were beside her.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Lillian was known for her kindness, faith and deep sense of responsibility.

Lillian was born January 8, 1937 in Kansas City, Missouri, the only child of Lorene (Whitlow) and Gilbert (John) Bowser. She attended Graceland University, the University of Kansas and Kansas State University, earning her B.S. in Physical Education. She met Wendell at KU in 1958. They married on January 25, 1959 and began a life of beautiful companionship, starting their family with the birth of their son, Wade in 1960. Their numbers grew with the birth of Lisa in 1962, Mark in 1964 and Lynn in 1967.

As a young mother, she led her family across the globe. Throughout India, Pakistan, Greece, and Bethesda, Maryland, she helped instill in each of her four children a profound appreciation for wonder, culture and community.

Lillian’s faith in Christ was a cornerstone of her spirit. A lifelong member of the Community of Christ, she found joy in serving others. She frequently volunteered her time, kitchen and skills in service of the less fortunate.

Lillian had a deep sense of stewardship: she taught physical education and piano in Islamabad; led Girl Scout troops; directed musicals and summer camps; visited American prisoners in Athens; and sang in the church choir. Lillian was a member of P.E.O. International and a delegate to World Church conferences. She held a seat on the boards of the American Community Schools in Athens and Outreach International in Kansas City.

Lillian played in tennis and softball leagues, joined book clubs, worked at Kae Robin Gifts, and regularly delivered Meals on Wheels. Mom was a consummate cook and baker, sending her kids to school with the best lunches. She never missed her children’s activities and supported each new endeavor they pursued. She was the COO of four Wallace children: graciously, lovingly nurturing, and encouraging her children to be the best versions of themselves.

Mom found happiness in life’s simple pleasures: playing hymns on the piano, gardening, singing campfire songs with grandchildren and was a steward of the earth well before her time. Creative and artistic, she was also a master letter writer, carefully chronicling her family’s journey around the world with her husband. Mom and dad enjoyed decades of ping pong and tennis games. They camped under the stars, volunteered at youth camps, hiked, canoed, biked and over time, shared bushels of popcorn. In 2012, Lillian and Wendell moved to Fort Collins where they enjoyed the company of family, old friends and new. They found new ways to serve, adventured and explored the West with their children and grandchildren, taking in the glorious skies while occasionally savoring a chocolate Frosty together. Together, they cultivated a cherished and forever love.

Lillian is survived by her husband of 66 years, four children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Her love, faith, and warmth will be deeply missed and forever treasured by all who knew her.

Lillian chose to pass on the gift of learning to medical students at the CU Anschutz School of Medicine. A Celebration of Life is planned with family for summer 2025.