**Lila Rose McGuire (née Gragg), 81**
October 21, 1944 - December 17, 2025
Lila Rose McGuire, 81, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, surrounded by her beloved granddaughters. Born on October 21, 1944, in Ada, Oklahoma, Lila lived a life defined by love, creativity, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family.
Lila was the daughter of Charlie Francis Gragg and Juanita Hazel Gragg. She grew up in Oklahoma alongside her siblings and carried the values of warmth and generosity instilled in her from an early age throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, James H. McGuire; her beloved son Michael Wayne Gilliland; her father and mother; her sister Ethel Gragg; and her brother Charlie Gragg Jr.
A woman of many talents and boundless energy, Lila had a passion for crafting and painting. Her creativity blossomed into a small business when she opened a craft shop off Main Street in Broken Arrow—a space that reflected both her artistic spirit and welcoming nature. But more than any hobby or pursuit, Lila's heart belonged to her family.
Her favorite moments were spent around the dining room table with loved ones—playing the game GREEDY before bedtime while sharing snacks, stories, and laughter. These nightly gatherings became cherished rituals that embodied Lila's deep commitment to togetherness. Family wasn't just important to Lila—it was everything. Her home was a sanctuary where all felt welcome. She embraced not only her children and grandchildren but also their friends and extended circles as part of her own family.
Lila is lovingly remembered by her son Jerry Brad Gilliland; sister Laura Howard; niece Anita Crandall; granddaughter Christina Gilliland and Christina's children Jayden, Adison, and Braxton; grandson Matthew Gilliland and his children Aaden and Lexi; granddaughter Lindsay Pierce with husband Colby and their children Nolan and Evelyn; Mary Walton and children Shialah and Kai; as well as Anita Crandall's children Jimmy, Jerry, and Jackie. In addition to these close relatives, Lila opened her heart to countless others whom she loved as family.
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Lila maintained a close relationship with Jesus throughout the years. Church played an integral role in shaping who she was—she served faithfully in numerous capacities including Treasurer, Praise & Worship leader, Sunday School Teacher, and Vacation Bible School Director. Her dedication to ministry reflected the same compassion she showed at home: nurturing others with kindness and joy.
In recent months, while facing dementia and congestive heart failure among other health challenges, Lila moved into the home of her granddaughter, Christina, in Tulsa. Surrounded by grandchildren who adored her deeply, she continued to show remarkable strength until the very end.
Smart, funny, talented, creative—and above all loving—Lila Rose McGuire leaves behind a legacy of warmth that will live on through every story shared around a table filled with laughter.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/F9F1D4D
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
October 21, 1944 - December 17, 2025
Lila Rose McGuire, 81, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, surrounded by her beloved granddaughters. Born on October 21, 1944, in Ada, Oklahoma, Lila lived a life defined by love, creativity, faith, and unwavering devotion to her family.
Lila was the daughter of Charlie Francis Gragg and Juanita Hazel Gragg. She grew up in Oklahoma alongside her siblings and carried the values of warmth and generosity instilled in her from an early age throughout her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, James H. McGuire; her beloved son Michael Wayne Gilliland; her father and mother; her sister Ethel Gragg; and her brother Charlie Gragg Jr.
A woman of many talents and boundless energy, Lila had a passion for crafting and painting. Her creativity blossomed into a small business when she opened a craft shop off Main Street in Broken Arrow—a space that reflected both her artistic spirit and welcoming nature. But more than any hobby or pursuit, Lila's heart belonged to her family.
Her favorite moments were spent around the dining room table with loved ones—playing the game GREEDY before bedtime while sharing snacks, stories, and laughter. These nightly gatherings became cherished rituals that embodied Lila's deep commitment to togetherness. Family wasn't just important to Lila—it was everything. Her home was a sanctuary where all felt welcome. She embraced not only her children and grandchildren but also their friends and extended circles as part of her own family.
Lila is lovingly remembered by her son Jerry Brad Gilliland; sister Laura Howard; niece Anita Crandall; granddaughter Christina Gilliland and Christina's children Jayden, Adison, and Braxton; grandson Matthew Gilliland and his children Aaden and Lexi; granddaughter Lindsay Pierce with husband Colby and their children Nolan and Evelyn; Mary Walton and children Shialah and Kai; as well as Anita Crandall's children Jimmy, Jerry, and Jackie. In addition to these close relatives, Lila opened her heart to countless others whom she loved as family.
Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Lila maintained a close relationship with Jesus throughout the years. Church played an integral role in shaping who she was—she served faithfully in numerous capacities including Treasurer, Praise & Worship leader, Sunday School Teacher, and Vacation Bible School Director. Her dedication to ministry reflected the same compassion she showed at home: nurturing others with kindness and joy.
In recent months, while facing dementia and congestive heart failure among other health challenges, Lila moved into the home of her granddaughter, Christina, in Tulsa. Surrounded by grandchildren who adored her deeply, she continued to show remarkable strength until the very end.
Smart, funny, talented, creative—and above all loving—Lila Rose McGuire leaves behind a legacy of warmth that will live on through every story shared around a table filled with laughter.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/F9F1D4D
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lila McGuire, please visit our flower store.
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