Lila L. Gray

After a brief illness, Lila L. "Rusty" Gray, nee Ganz, 81, of Lebanon, Ill., born Aug. 13, 1931, in Summerfield, Ill., passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Thursday, April 4, 2013, at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, Ill.

Lila excelled in the dwindling art of homemaking. She was known for her kind heart, listening ear and delicious chocolate chip cookies. She devoted her life and energy to her family, who were a source of great pride and joy. Rusty's sharp tongue and vivacious personality entertained her family and kept them constantly on their toes. Rusty's genuine interest in other's lives turned many first-time visitors into life-long friends.

In her younger life, Rusty filled her time raising a family, reading, cooking and baking, and she especially enjoyed her Thursday night bowling league. When Gina came along, Rusty excelled in sewing doll clothes and Halloween costumes.

In recent years, she enjoyed completing word search puzzles and visiting with friends and family. She was a member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Lebanon, Ill.

She was preceded in death exactly five years to the day by her husband, Gene L. Gray. Upon learning that she was gravely ill, Rusty set about the business of dying on the exact anniversary of Gene's death. With typical tenacity, she achieved her goal.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, August Ganz and Esther, nee Feltman, Ganz; two brothers, Bernell Jones and Paul "Chuck" Ganz; and a sister, Dolores "Sis" Girimont.

Surviving are her children, Jeffrey (Christine) Gray of Lebanon, Ill., David (Cheryl) Gray of Louisville, Ky., and Gina (Darin) Lee of Maryville, Ill.; her grandchildren, Nicole (Dustin) Witty, Sarah, Rachel, and Lindsey Gray, and Jackson and Danielle Lee; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Raben, Family Hospice and Rusty's wonderful neighbors, Luke and Brenda and Leon and Geri.

Memorials may be made to the Lebanon Public Library, Lebanon Visitors' Center or Family Hospice. Memories and expressions of condolences may be made at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com.

Funeral: A family-led graveside service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2013, at College Hill Cemetery in Lebanon, Ill. The public is invited to join the family at a luncheon in Rusty's honor at St Paul's United Church of Christ in Lebanon, Ill., at noon on Saturday.

Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/belleville/obituary.aspx?n=lila-l-gray&pid=164074617&fhid=8524#storylink=cpy