Lila Ruth West

Lila Ruth (Mayer) West, 93, was born September 7, 1929, and passed May 2, 2023. She was married to James E. West from 1948 until his death in 1979. She was preceded in death by her parents Leon and Ivy (Jones) Mayer; three sisters Leona, Maxine, and Martha; three sons-in-law, and three great grandchildren.

She is survived by her four children: Vicki King Conrad, Paula (Mike) Holdcroft, Linda Ryggs, and James A. (Jeanie) West; 14 grandchildren and their spouses, 22 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Lila lived her whole life in Grant County in Fowlerton and Matthews, and attended Jefferson High School where she was active in theater. While she traveled some in the US, she was able to visit Germany with her two oldest grandkids.

She was not your typical Grandma-type, but had a big heart that she expressed in her own ways. An avid seamstress, she sewed baby blankets and quilts for her children and grandchildren and crafted about a million tote bags. She baked every cookie recipe imaginable and made the world's best caramel corn that she gifted at Christmas. In addition to her beloved house cats, she cared for every stray she saw, feeding dogs, cats, and most likely, every raccoon in town. In the 1980's her cherished pet was a mink named Jack that she raised after he was orphaned.

Lila had a crass sense of humor, a quick laugh, and wasn't shy about signing with her crooked finger, which was her own sign of affection.

She was fiercely independent, and except for the last week of her life, she was able to live on her own in her home, thanks to several years of extraordinary efforts made by her children.

The family wishes to thank the professional and kind members of the Matthews Volunteer Fire Department rescue, and the caring staff at the University Nursing Center in Upland.

Arrangements for Lila have been entrusted to the Jones-Smith Chapel of Armes-Hunt Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 259 North Main Street, Upland. A graveside service and burial will be held in the Matthews Cemetery on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Matthews Fire Department, 731 Massachusetts Avenue, Matthews, Indiana 46957. Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com.