Obituary; Lila Rae Gullette

SUPERIOR - Lila Rae Gullette, 72 of Superior, passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2015, in Missoula. Lila was born in Hamilton to Lewis and Inez Leavens on September 23, 1942, the seventh of 12 children.

She graduated from Darby High School in 1960 and then moved to Helena to work for the telephone company.

Lila transferred to Missoula after a short time in Helena. She met James Gullette and they married September 4, 1964.

The couple moved to Superior and resided there until her death. Jim and Lila have one son, Mike, and one granddaughter, Jaime. Lila had kidney problems from the time she was 28 until her death.

In between battling kidney and a number of other health problems, Lila maintained one of many nicknames, the “Energizer Bunny,” and worked in Dr. Bauer’s office and at the school in the lunchroom. She was often referred to as “Gravel Gurdy” because of her deep love for working in the garden and planting flowers.

She was a talented artist and her family will treasure the beautiful mosaic birdhouses she made.

Lila was also lovingly referred to as “Two Shoes” by her husband because of her admiration for shoes!

One of Lila’s favorite names, however, was Grammy.

She adored her granddaughter, Jaime, and loved the time they spent together. Lila was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Inez; her sisters, Florence and Susan; brother, Bob; and brothers-in-law, Dean Hyatt and Oscar Meyers.

Lila will be missed by her loving husband, Jim and loving son, Mike; granddaughter, Jaime; siblings, Bill (Lorraine) Leavens of Seattle, Loma Meyers of Placerville, California, Chuck Leavens, Don (Suzanne) Leavens and Lude (Barbara) Leavens, all of Conner, Connie (Ed) Nordin of St. Maries, Idaho, Pat (Steven) Drye of Montrose, Colorado, and Linda (Ron) Ellis of Montrose. “Auntie Lila” will also be missed by numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, at the United Methodist Church in Superior with Pastor Waveland King officiating.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Lila’s name to the Montana Kidney Association. Sunset Memorial Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Condolences for Lila’s family may be sent to missoulafuneralhomes.com. You’re free at last, Lila!