Rose M. Lilly

Rose M. Lilly, 88, of La Grande, died Dec. 20 at Grande Ronde Hospital. A recitation of the Rosary will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday at Loveland Funeral Chapel.

A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1101 Fourth St., La Grande.

Rose was born to Frank and Ursula Lemezis March 6, 1921, in Westville, Ill. Rose met Ken Lilly of La Grande in Chicago during WWII. Ken and Rose married Feb. 25, 1944, in La Grande.

At the age of 38, she enrolled at Eastern Oregon State College and earned her teaching degree in 1963. After 20 years of teaching elementary school in Cove and La Grande she retired. Following her retirement she enjoyed long early morning walks with her friends and charter bus tours with Ken.

The holidays were a special time of the year for her and she would make Christmas tree ornaments for her grandchildren. Rose was an avid reader and bridge player and was a member of a bridge group for about 50 years. She also enjoyed gardening and watching game shows and talk shows. Those who knew her say Rose and Ken were a common sight in downtown La Grande where they would walk holding hands.

Rose was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church since 1944. In her younger years Rose was involved in many of the church's functions. Rose was also a member of Knife and Fork and the Retired Educators Association.

Survivors include her husband of 65 years, Ken; sons, Ken Lilly and his wife, Carol, of Bothell, Wash., Rod Lilly of Portland and Andy and his wife, Verda, of La Grande; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters; and two brothers.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Marian Academy in care of Loveland Funeral Chapel, 1508 Fourth Street, La Grande 97850.

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