Lila F. Seidel
Passed: November 22, 2016
- Share:
Lila F. Seidel
Passed: November 22, 2016
Obituary
Lila F. Seidel, of Litchfield Park, passed away on November 22, 2016. She was born in Tucson to Orel F. and Faye Hopper on March 5, 1929. Lila was a 1946 graduate of Tucson High School, and graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Home Economics in 1950. While there, she met her future husband Verne D. Seidel, Jr., whom she married in 1949. After graduating, they moved to Flagstaff, where they raised three children. In 1960, she went back to school and obtained a degree in elementary education at Northern Arizona University. She went on to teach in the Flagstaff public school system until her retirement in 1987. In the early 90’s, Verne and Lila moved to Litchfield Park.
Lila was active in many organizations, including P.E.O., Assistance League, the Litchfield Park library, the Federated Church in Flagstaff, and the Church at Litchfield Park. She was a dedicated educator, and fondly remembered by the hundreds of students she taught over the years. She was particularly proud that she had helped train over 40 student teachers during her career. Her commitment to education included that of her children, in whom she instilled a lifetime love of reading and learning. Lila had several hobbies and interests, including travel, reading, gardening (especially roses), scrapbooking, and genealogy.
Lila was preceded in death by her husband of over 64 years, Verne, and her brother Stanley Hopper. She is survived by her brother Stephen Hopper and his wife Diana, of Camp Verde; son David and wife Toni, of Albuquerque, NM; daughter Janis Schutte and husband Mike, of Phoenix; and son Kenny and wife Connie, of Phoenix. She is survived by eight grandchildren: Paul Seidel, Jessica Seidel, Christopher Schutte, Sarah Whisler, Rachel Crampton, Nicholas Seidel, Heather Seidel, and Michael Seidel, and twelve great-grandchildren: Owen, Anna, and Claire Schutte; Noah and Jonah Whisler; Cailyn, Emily, and Elliot Crampton; and Aimee, Chloe, Elora, and Oliver Seidel.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at The Church at Litchfield Park, 300 N. Old Litchfield Road in Litchfield Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley (hov.org) or to The Church at Litchfield Park.
10 responses to Lila F. Seidel
Mary Anne Bennett/Babcock/Thomas says:
December 8, 2016
Janice, David, Kenny and families…..I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom and a women I have looked up to and admired most of my life. Sorry we have lost contact over the years. Lila and Verne were a couple I admired, as their love for each other was always present in their eyes and smiles. Fond memories of family times together and the births of you 3. My second son Jeff was a student of Lila’s at Marshall Elementary School in Flagstaff and to this day talks about her and her gentleness.
May God hold your families in His arms and comfort you………knowing she is reunited with the love of her life Verne.
Janis Schutte says:
December 11, 2016
Thank you, Mary Anne. I know both my mom and dad cherished their connection to you. We have a lot of shared history. Blessings to you and your family
Janis
Mary Anne Bennett/Babcock/Thomas says:
December 8, 2016
So sorry for your loss
Mary Anne Bennett/Babcock/Thomas
(cousin)
Mimi Hutchison Hathaway says:
December 10, 2016
Dear Seidel Family,
I read the lovely obituary regarding your Mom this morning. I did not want the day to pass without acknowledging what a special person your Mother was. She was one of my Mom Till’s best friends and I remember all the times spent together as families. I have great childhood memories of both your parents and you their children. Basically, our parents had a lot of fun together! What an incredible contribution your Mom made in her professional and personal life. I hope your memories of her support you through her loss and know the Hutchison kids reguard her with fondness as well. So sorry for your loss. Fondly
Janis Schutte says:
December 11, 2016
Thank you, Mimi, for your kind words. I also have great memories of times with your family. I think we were really blessed to grow up where and when we did.
Janis
John & Roxanne Vitt says:
December 11, 2016
David, Janis, and Kenny,
Deepest condolences to you and your families for the loss of your Mom, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother. She impacted many lives and will be greatly missed.
Betsann Biller Copeland says:
December 12, 2016
Saddened to read about your mother’s recent passing…but smile at the fun, fond memories. We were backyard neighbors for many years with the Seidels in the very first houses of Coconino Estates. David and Janis were friends with my younger brother Harry Biller, Jr. (RIP). My sister Leslee Biller Johanson and Kenny were “crib mates” and best buddies. And I babysat for the Seidel “kids” for many years. Your parents were delightful, contributed so much to the Flagstaff community and both of them had such warm, beautiful smiles. Our thoughts are with you David, Janis and Kenny.