Lila Jean Leck

Lila Jean (Cress) Leck (née Himes), beloved mother, grandmother, world traveler and art teacher, died Feb. 10, 2024. She was 86.
Lila was born Dec. 2, 1937, in Ladoga, Ind., to Eugene H. Himes and Margaret Vie Himes (Rentschler). She is survived by a son, Scott Cress (Julie), and grandchildren Tom, Joe (Rachel) and Annie. Lila was the middle child, predeceased by her parents, sister Marianna Himes, brother David A. Himes, grandson Michael Cress, and beloved partner Howard Hopkins.
Growing up, Lila was a bright and determined young woman who loved to learn and explore, she was also passionate about her art. At Ball State Teachers College, she earned a bachelor's degree in education. Lila settled in Columbus, Ohio, where she taught at Evening Street Elementary School in Worthington in the 1960s and designed her Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired home in Powell.
She was the lower- and middle-school art teacher, adviser, and friend at the Columbus School for Girls where she taught until she retired in 2004 and relocated to Granville; there, she volunteered with Licking Memorial Health System's TWIG, traveling, cooking, spending time with long-time friends and grandchildren.
Traveling and art were Lila's passions, and she will be remembered for bringing art into the lives of thousands of children. She could bring the best artist possible from each of her students, explaining: "There is no wrong, just different perspectives." She traveled around the world with students and friends creating lifelong experiences and was always ready for an adventure.
During the last few years, Lila was impacted by Alzheimer's disease, becoming a shell of the woman we all remember. She will be dearly missed by family and friends. Funeral and private burial will occur at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Montgomery Hospice (General Fund or Casey House) (https://montgomeryhospice.org/donate-now/) or Raphael House - ATTN: Nelly Kaiyo, 1515 Dunster Rd, Rockville, MD 20854.