Lillian Jekel

Born in Louisville on Aug. 28, 1926, she was the last of 11 children born to Fred and Goldie (Bass) Switzer.

Lilly’s natural propensity to laugh at most everything earned her the nickname “Giggles” at an early age. She attended Hazelwood Elementary School and Southern Junior High School before graduating in 1944 from Louisville Girls High School.

Giggles did clerical work for five years and once owned the Brookline Variety Store in Louisville’s south end. Much of her life was spent caring for family. While her sister, Florence, was working, Aunt Lil cared for niece Phyllis and nephews Delbert and Ricky Duke. After her marriage to Ralph Jekel in 1959, she became a stepmother to his son, Larry. In later years, she moved in and helped care for her widower brother, Bus.

While not having children of her own, she was a favorite aunt and stepmother to many.

Lillian was the granddaughter of Mary Bass, the inspiration for Alice Hegan Rice’s book “Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch.” Published in 1901, the bestseller became an international sensation through a Broadway play and four movies, one starring the great comedian W.C. Fields. Much of Giggle’s character surely descended from mother Goldie and Grandma Bass.

Lillian was preceded by husband, Ralph, her parents, and 10 siblings — Jim Switzer, Lewis Switzer, Tom Switzer, Christine “Sis” Switzer, Goldie “Bits” Switzer, Bill Switzer, Ree Switzer, George “Bus” Switzer, Florence (Switzer) Deddens and Evelyn (Switzer) Draper. She was also preceded by niece Barbara “Babs” (Switzer) Terranova and nephew James “Blue” Switzer.

She is survived by stepson Larry E. Jekel, nieces Rena (Switzer) Fowler, Phyllis (Duke) Walters, Trina (Draper) Hardman and Pam (Draper) Gavlinski, and nephews Delbert Duke, Richard Duke, Doug Draper, Steve Draper, David Draper and Jay Hoffman.

Visitation from 11 to 2 p.m., Dec. 30, 2024, at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Rd., followed by services and burial at Resthaven Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, WHAS Crusade for Children or the charity of your choice.