Lila L. Stienstra
Lila Livona Strahla Stienstra, 88, of Clay City, Indiana, formerly of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, and Cleveland, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020. She was born Jan. 8, 1932, in Lewis, Indiana. In 1952, she married the love of her life Herman “Huck” Stienstra, who preceded her in death November 2014. Also preceding her in death were father Roland Strahla; mother Flossie Kittle Strahla; brothers Arthur, Robert, Carl Bernard “Bunk” and infant sister Katherine.
Lila excelled at serving her communities. She spent over 30 years in service to the Phoenixville YMCA, assisting the aquatic director as a swim instructor, among other tasks. She mentored young women serving as a Girl Scout leader and Gateway Service Unit Director at Freedom Valley Girl Scout Council of Valley Forge. She was instrumental in establishing the Nature Center of Charlestown with John Cristy and his wife, not only cutting trails but setting up and running the center’s office. Many other volunteer positions were held at Great Valley School District, West Chester Historical Society, Charlestown Township, American Red Cross, and Clay County Genealogy Society, among others. For a time, she also worked as a bookkeeper and realtor. She was a member of the Fort Harrison Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and Faith Southern Baptist Church.
She is best remembered by family as a master mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, always attentive, encouraging, strong, and supportive. She loved spending time with family and friends, immersing family in cultural and outdoor experiences. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, birding, fishing, woodworking, sewing, and organizing reunions. Lila’s sewing skills were top quality, crafting outfits, ornaments, and various other items, which will be cherished for years to come. Huck and Lila modeled a simple and good life filled with curiosity, hard work, kindness, equality, humility, and unconditional love. Many were blessed with visits by the couple who stayed in contact with and often visited numerous family members and friends all over the country.
Lila is survived by her five children Vivian (Craig) Linder of West Brandywine, Pennsylvania; Bruce (Francine) Stienstra of Lewis, Indiana; Sarah (Gerald) Taney of Clay City, Indiana; Anita Stienstra (Craig) of Phoenix, Arizona; and Karen Drelick, Clay City, Indiana; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; brother John Strahla, Terre Haute, Indiana; and numerous nephews, nieces and other family members.
A celebration of life is planned for a future date. Arrangements are under the direction of Schoppenhorst Funeral Home, 301 E. 8th Street, Clay City. To light a candle of remembrance, visit: www.schoppenhorstfuneralhome.com
Lila excelled at serving her communities. She spent over 30 years in service to the Phoenixville YMCA, assisting the aquatic director as a swim instructor, among other tasks. She mentored young women serving as a Girl Scout leader and Gateway Service Unit Director at Freedom Valley Girl Scout Council of Valley Forge. She was instrumental in establishing the Nature Center of Charlestown with John Cristy and his wife, not only cutting trails but setting up and running the center’s office. Many other volunteer positions were held at Great Valley School District, West Chester Historical Society, Charlestown Township, American Red Cross, and Clay County Genealogy Society, among others. For a time, she also worked as a bookkeeper and realtor. She was a member of the Fort Harrison Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution and Faith Southern Baptist Church.
She is best remembered by family as a master mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, always attentive, encouraging, strong, and supportive. She loved spending time with family and friends, immersing family in cultural and outdoor experiences. She enjoyed cooking, baking, gardening, birding, fishing, woodworking, sewing, and organizing reunions. Lila’s sewing skills were top quality, crafting outfits, ornaments, and various other items, which will be cherished for years to come. Huck and Lila modeled a simple and good life filled with curiosity, hard work, kindness, equality, humility, and unconditional love. Many were blessed with visits by the couple who stayed in contact with and often visited numerous family members and friends all over the country.
Lila is survived by her five children Vivian (Craig) Linder of West Brandywine, Pennsylvania; Bruce (Francine) Stienstra of Lewis, Indiana; Sarah (Gerald) Taney of Clay City, Indiana; Anita Stienstra (Craig) of Phoenix, Arizona; and Karen Drelick, Clay City, Indiana; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; brother John Strahla, Terre Haute, Indiana; and numerous nephews, nieces and other family members.
A celebration of life is planned for a future date. Arrangements are under the direction of Schoppenhorst Funeral Home, 301 E. 8th Street, Clay City. To light a candle of remembrance, visit: www.schoppenhorstfuneralhome.com
Published on November 27, 2020
