Lila's Obituary

Lila Christine (Durham) Taylor, 77, devoted follower of Jesus and loving wife went to heaven Saturday, September 6th, 2025. Lila was born in Hutchinson, Kansas on December 16th, 1947 to Harold and Wanda Durham. During her childhood she enjoyed attending church, family dinners and spending time with her large family that included 6 siblings. Lila graduated from South High in 1965 in Wichita, Kansas. Over the years as the family grew Lila became the favorite aunt to many nieces and nephews. In November of 1980 while working at the local bowling alley, she met the captain of a rival bowling team that caught her eye immediately. Lila was smitten with Richard from the moment she met him. Just three short months later they were married, January 30th, 1981. Richard and Lila loved spending time together, over the years they enjoyed bowling, camping, riding bikes, Sunday dinners and game nights with family and friends. Lila worked for the City of Wichita for 27 years, retiring in 2003. Lila and Richard retired to their vacation home in Fall River, Kansas. Their days together in Fall River became some of the best years of their life. Lila made friendships that would last a lifetime. With her friends Lila took bus trips, started a charity food pantry (Mercy House) and even became "the pie lady" at a local diner. Lila and Richard spent 44 wonderful years together and made the most out of each one. Traveling, spending time with friends and praising Jesus were their favorite times. Lila's life was a testament to the power of giving. Whether through volunteer work, acts of quiet charity, or simply by being present for those in need, she demonstrated an unwavering commitment to bettering the world around her. Her kindness was both deliberate and effortless, a reflection of the way she lived each day with Jesus in her heart.

Lila was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Wanda Durham. Her stepmom, who graciously raised her from a year old, Wilma Durham. Brother, Rodney Durham and sister, Karen Durham. Stepsons, Kevin W. Taylor and Richard A. Taylor. Brother-in-law, Mark Whinery.

Lila is survived by her loving husband, Richard E. Taylor. Grandchildren, Jennifer (Ryan) Mason, Chrystal (Ryan) McDowell, Davin (Bailey) Taylor and Jerin Taylor. Great-grandchildren; Lauren, Maddox and Natalie Mason, Kalib (Alex) Luckner, Ethan (Tegan) Luckner, Jax (Kamdyn) Luckner, Jocelyn McDowell and Sophie Taylor. Two great-great-grandchildren, Emery Jo and Walker Dean Luckner. Stepson, Randy E. Taylor and Daughter-in-law Terry Ann (Kevin) Smith. Her sisters, Diana (Larry) Coldiron, Sherry Whinery and Janet Hemel. Brother, RJ Brassfield and countless nieces and nephews. Lila also has many friends that became family that will miss her dearly.

Graveside funeral service will be held on Monday, September 15th at 2:00pm at Old Mission Cemetery located at 3424 E. 21st N., Wichita, Kansas 67208. A dinner will be held in Fall River for visiting with the family; it will be held at 5:00pm at the Fall River Community Center located at 409 Merchants Ave, Fall River, Kansas 67047.

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