Lila Joy Duckworth

Lila Joy Duckworth, 88, beloved wife, mother, and sister, passed at home on Friday, February 13, 2026. A visitation will be held from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Weerts Funeral Home. Lila will be laid to rest the next day in a private ceremony at Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines, IA. Memorial contributions may be made to Milestones Area Agency on Aging. Online, condolences and fond memories may be expressed at www.WeertsFH.com

Lila was born on November 14, 1937 in Pella, IA to Lawrence and Hatti Klein. She was involved in many activities during her high school years as a baton twirler in the marching band, girls glee club, and mixed chorus. She also worked part-time jobs at Central Park Cafe and the movie theater.

After high school, she moved to Des Moines and worked for the State house and Meredith Publishing Company. She met Richard “Dick” G. Duckworth in Des Moines and were married on September 17, 1960 in Pella. They later moved to Omaha, NE, and for the last 45 years settled in Bettendorf.

While in Bettendorf, she worked part-time at the front desk of the Life Fitness Center. She gave everyone a friendly smile and conversation. She enjoyed her plants, walking, riding her bike, listening to live music with her son and afternoon outings with Cindy walking and shopping.

Survivors include her brother, Larry Klein of Pella, IA, daughter, Cynthia “Cindy” Duckworth of Bettendorf, IA, and son, Richard “George” Duckworth Jr. of Bettendorf, IA.

Lila was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Dick, in 2001, and her parents, Hatti and Lawrence.