Lila J. Penrose

Nov. 25, 1925 - Feb. 10, 2013

GOSHEN - Lila J. Penrose, 87, died Sunday afternoon, Feb. 10, 2013, at Hospice House of Elkhart after a month-long battle with congestive heart failure.

She was born Nov. 25, 1925, in Vistula to Henry and Pauline (Sautter) Gates. She married William L. Penrose on Nov. 25, 1943, in Goshen. He died March 20, 2004.

She is survived by two daughters, Marilee E. (Gerald) Nixon of Goshen and Nancy L. Stuart of Temple Terrace, Fla.; three grandchildren, Dr. Amy Stuart of Temple Terrace, Jennifer Baumann of Paupack, Pa., and Andrea Calhoun of Kirkland, Wash.; three great-grandchildren, Aspen Stuart-Cunningham, Coral Stuart-Cunningham and Margaret Calhoun; and a brother, Ned (Charlene) Gates of Santa Rosa, Calif.

She was preceded in death by two sons, David E. and Kim R. Penrose; a granddaughter, Alicia Stuart; and two sisters, Ethyl Gates and Alice Penrose.

A 1943 graduate of Middlebury High School, she worked at Miles Laboratories for 25 years, retiring in 1987.

A lifetime area resident, Mrs. Penrose was a member of the Bayer Century Club and First Baptist Church, Goshen. She was an excellent baker and loved to cook.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013, and one hour prior to the 10 a.m. funeral service on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Dr. Gregg Lanzen and Pastor Jim Shrock of First Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will follow in Violett Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, Goshen.


Memories and Condolences

Nancy Simmons, Glendale, AZ

Lila Penrose I know that we all will miss Lila so very much. She was one aof my dearest friends and for many years. Thanks so much Merilee for calling to inform us of her death on Sunday. I regret that I cannot attend her memorial service in Goshen.

Nancy Simmons, Glendale, AZ

Lila Penrose I know we will all miss Lila so very much and thanks Merilee for calling to inform us of your Mom's death on Sunday. She was one of my dearest friends and I regret that I can't attend her memorial service.

Erika Reese, Bristol, IN

I'm so sorry about the loss of your mom! It is a hard thing to be going through! Treasure the memories that you have made with her, they will help carry you through the hard days ahead. Bob and I will keep you in our prayers! We love you - Bob & Erika

Kim Petgen, Bristol, IN

Marilee, my thoughts & prayers are with you. I admire your relationship you had with your Mother, and am sorry for your lost. She must have been a great women, because she raised a great daughter. I pray your pain will ease fast. Love Kim Petgen