January 15, 1915 - February 08, 2010

Her strong wit and sense of humor will last forever in our hearts

Lila Harriet Parks, Age 95, died peacefully on February 8, 2010.

Lila was the second of three children born January 15, 1915 to Henry and Lena Hanson on a farm in Bole, Montana. Lena died shortly after childbirth, and later Henry married Ellen and they added 12 children to the family. After attending school in Choteau, Montana, it was work with Pacific Bell Telephone Company that took Lila to Vallejo, California, and then to Seattle, where, on a blind date she met Max, her beloved husband whom she married in 1947. After designing and building a home together in Lake City overlooking Lake Washington, they lived in Ballard for decades, attending Elks dances, later traveling the globe and enjoying life's pleasures, especially gardening, camping, pinochle and clam digging.

Lila was a dedicated caregiver to Max for several years until his death in 2000. Also welcoming Lila with open arms are sons Jim and Gary, her parents and brothers Sid, Herb, Ray, Carl and Donnie, and sisters Ruth, Edna, Judy and Eloise.

She is survived by her daughter Lora and husband Fred, son John and his attentive wife Carol. Lila also leaves behind brother Marvin and his wife Margaret, sisters Ina, Evine, Florence (Charles) and Ellen. Also missing Lila's hugs are six grandchildren: Erin, Jenn, Mike, Leah, Demarie, and Evan; four great-grandchildren: Zach, Marissa, Matt, and Danika, and so many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Aegis of Edmonds where Lila was cared for by the wonderful staff for the past two years, and to Providence Hospice for the excellent care received the last week of her life. She will be missed by many and the memory of her strong wit and sense of humor will last forever in our hearts.

At her request, her ashes will be scattered in Montana and along the Washington coast.

DONATIONS

Donations may be made to Providence Hospice or to the charity of your choice.

Memorial

HAD I BUT ONE DAY

Had I but one day of my life remaining,
Then should I see this generous world I love-
The dawn, the noon, the glorious colors staining
The western sky, the star serene above
With clearer eye than ever I employ.
Then I should listen with acuter ear
And smell and taste and touch with sharper joy;
Then would so many things be newly dear.

Had I but one day of life yet to life,
I should be much more eager to forgive
And sympathize and help and love and pray
Before the numbered hours had hurried past.
Ah, this is what they must mean when they say,
"Live every day as if it were the last."

-- Elaine Y. E.

If I should ever leave you

If I should ever leave you whom I love
To go along the Silent Way, grieve not,
Nor speak of me with tears,
But laugh and talk
Of me as if I were beside you there.
(I'd come - I'd come, could I but find a way!
But would not tears and grief be barriers?)
And when you hear a song or see a bird
I loved, please do not let the thought of me
Be sad...For I am loving you just as I always have...
You were so good to me!
There are so many things I wanted still
To do-so many things to say to you...
Remember that I did not fear...It was
Just leaving you that was so hard to face.
We cannot see Beyond
But this I know:
I loved you so-'twas heaven here with you!

Author unknown