Lila E. Little, 105, of Bismarck, ND passed away Saturday, August 5, 2023, at the Baptist Care Facility in Bismarck. Lila lived an amazing life and cherished every moment. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at DaWise-Perry Funeral Services, Mandan with Pastor Allen Wagner officiating. Inurnment will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. There will be no visitation, as cremation has taken place.
Lila was born to Matthew and Edith (Larsen) Andahl, on February 20, 1918, in Bismarck, ND. She was raised on the family farm north of Bismarck. On September 10, 1940, Lila married Donald Little. Lila and Don were blessed with three daughters, Donnita (Donnie), Daureen (Dee), and Daralyn (Dar). Lila and Don bought their first home in 1951 and immediately welcomed Lila's mother Edith to be part of their home. Lila enjoyed having the support of her mother and took the opportunity to have numerous jobs throughout her adult life, finally deciding it was time to retire from her last job when she was 90 years old. On Saturday nights you could find Don and Lila dancing at
the Elk's Club. They enjoyed the company of their friends and the opportunity to spin around the dance floor without a care in the world. Lila had an incredible passion for basketball. She spent countless hours watching NBA games and was a huge fan of the Boston Celtics.
Lila loved her home and enjoyed it until she moved to Edgewood Village in 2016. Her time at Edgewood Village, as well as the Baptist Care Facility, was spent making new friends and attending every activity that she could. She never missed an opportunity to play Bingo.
Lila is survived by her daughters Donnie Wald, Dee and Dave Heinsohn, and Daralyn and Vic Stiefel and grandchildren Eric and Shelly Wald, Paula Rivera, Lisa and Robert Ansley, Shila and Dee Liggett, and Jessica Stiefel. Lila was also blessed with 15 great-grandchildren and 7 great great-grandchildren. Lila was preceded in death by her husband Donald; her parents; her siblings Helmer Andahl, Roy Andahl, and Aldyth Doering; and her son-in-law James Wald.
Lila spent the last six years of her life at the Baptist Care Facility and the staff made her feel special every day. We are extremely grateful for the care that the staff provided and for allowing her to enjoy life to its fullest.
Funeral arrangements are being made with DaWise-Perry / Mandan Crematory,
Mandan, North Dakota.