Lila Mae Wilbanks Parker, 63, of Ottumwa, passed away at 2:00 a.m. March 15, 2024 surrounded by loved ones at Hospice House in Ottumwa.
She was born October 12, 1960 in Ottumwa to Frank and Seletha Blew Wilbanks. She married Lonnie A. Parker on October 12, 1982. To this union a daughter was born. They later divorced.
A 1979 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Lila earned an Associate of Arts degree from Indian Hills Community College in culinary arts and later took administrative secretarial classes. She loved to cook, bake, go camping and spend time outdoors. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She spent many years as a homemaker, then began doing secretarial work until she found her calling for caregiving and worked many years at Comfort Keepers.
Surviving is her daughter, Samantha Jane Parker (Ashley Mortenson) of Ottumwa; 3 grandchildren, Jaydin Boer, Raynann Baxter and Avenley Mortenson; a brother, Frank (Lois) Wilbanks; a sister, Sherry (Benjamin) Richards both of Ottumwa; along with many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Vergil “Gene” Wilbanks and Joseph Paul Wilbanks; a sister, Ellen “Sis” Rachford; her mother-in-law, Mary Parker; Lila’s companion of 23 years, Robert “Bobby” Hull; and a nephew, Ben Canny.
Her body has been cremated. Visitation with her family present to greet friends will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 19th at Reece Funeral Home.
A service to celebrate her life will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday March 20th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Mel Kendall officiating.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Serving Davis and Wapello Counties or to the family.
