Lila Jean Pindell, 71, of Martinsville, IL passed away at 9:40 a.m. on Saturday, August 20, 2011 at Casey Health Care Center, Casey, IL. She was born August 19, 1940, in Martinsville, IL, the daughter of Harold Alva Howe and Gladys Ann Lewis Howe. On November 15, 1974, she married William Joe Pindell in Reno, Nevada. He passed away on December 17, 1998.

Survivors include her brothers, Francis (Marianne) Howe of McKenzie, TN; Raymond “Rube” (Jody) Howe of Casey, IL; Stanley (Mari) Howe of Tampa, FL; sisters, Vivian (Lewis Gail) Fessenbeck of Martinsville, IL; Joan (Larry) Graham of Willard, MO; three step-children, one grandchild and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Lila was a member of the Martinsville Bible Church, Martinsville, IL. While in Oregon she was the President of the Wy’East Artisans Guild and was a member of the Gresham Art Committee. She was a retired Reservation Clerk for Northwest Airlines. She was a 1958 graduate of Martinsville High School, where she was the class Salutatorian. She later graduated with an Art History degree from Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. Lila and Joe lived many years in a cabin on Mt. Hood. Climbing, skiing & walking were great passions for them and they not only climbed Mt. Hood annually but also climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. Lila also had a passion for art, painting, pottery and dearly loved her cats, Mr. Nightly and Scotch.

Lila moved back to Martinsville, IL to be closer to family while bravely facing the disease of Alzheimer’s. She often spoke about how much she enjoyed the closeness of her community, neighbors, coffee friends & church family and how it helped her deal with her health issues.

A reception and visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at the Greenwell Funeral Home, Martinsville, IL.

A Remembrance Service will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2011 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Wraptitude 67441 East Hwy 26, Welches, Oregon.

Burial will be held at a later date at the Butternut Cemetery.

Memorial donations and contributions may be made to Kathy’s Dream (Alzheimer’s Garden) c/o Casey Health Care Center, 100 SE 15th St., Casey, IL 62420.

Lila’s family greatly appreciates all the cards, thoughts & prayers. Lila was blessed by the way everyone touched her life.

Memorial tributes and condolences may be sent to the family at www.greenwellfh.com. Greenwell Funeral Home of Martinsville, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Lila Jean Pindell, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.