Lila A. Engelbert, age 98, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, creativity, and love that will continue to warm hearts for generations.

Born on March 31, 1927, in Beloit, Kansas, to Tom and Ella Reiter, Lila was one of ten children. She grew up on the family farm just outside of Beloit, attending grade school at Plum Creek and graduating from St. John’s Catholic High School. From an early age, she learned the values of hard work, compassion, and generosity—qualities that defined her entire life.

Lila married her high school sweetheart, Greg Engelbert, on August 24, 1948. After beginning their married life in Kansas, they moved to Colorado, where they built a home in Englewood and raised their growing family. Lila and Greg shared 75 years together and so many happy times, rooted in love, faith, and devotion to family.

Together, they raised five children: David (Judy), Patty (Mike Carrigan), Alan (Kathy), Bruce (Carol), and Kathy (Phil Miller- deceased), all of whom reside in Colorado. 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grand children.

Lila dedicated more than 20 years to caring for and teaching young children at several schools. Her work with children was a source of deep joy and fulfillment, and she was beloved for her patience, warmth, and gentle guidance. An exceptionally talented seamstress, Lila used her gift not only to create beautiful quilts for her family, but also to serve others. She made thousands of quilts for babies, hospitals, women’s shelters, the homeless, and those in need. She also shared her love of sewing and embroidery by teaching others (especially her grandchildren), ensuring her skills and passion lived on. Many family members treasure the quilts she lovingly created for graduations, weddings, births, and other special life moments.

After retiring, Lila devoted even more time to charitable work, including Hands All Around and volunteering in local schools. She was a longtime member of the Altar and Rosary Society and the Lady Elks, cherishing the friendships she formed through these organizations. A project especially close to her heart was making prayer quilts for the sick through St. Mary Catholic Church. This was a ministry she started and it continues today. In recognition of her extraordinary generosity and service, Lila was honored with the Channel 7 Everyday Hero Award in 2007.

Lila and Greg also built a beloved family cabin near Grand Lake, Colorado, constructed with their own hands and with the help of their young children. For decades, the cabin served as the heart of countless family memories, fishing, laughing, gathering, and simply being together. The cabin stood strong for 55 years, a testament to the love, resilience, and hard work of the people who built it.

Though it tragically burned down in 2020, the memories created there remain indestructible and deeply woven into the fabric of the family. Lila was an avid fisher woman, she proudly claimed the title of best angler in the family—often out-fishing her sons and taking great delight in doing so.

Lila was blessed with 13 grandchildren—Jason, Jodie, Julie, Josh, Joe, Missy, Zach, Wesley, Jessie, Simon, Matt, Chad, and Lilly—and 13 great-grandchildren. She made each child feel deeply special, teaching them sewing, baking, gardening, card games, reading, having water fights and playing games that only Grandma could invent. Her time with them was intentional, loving, and unforgettable.

In her final years, Lila was lovingly cared for at Hallmark Nursing Center, where she received not only additional support, but also an abundance of kindness, companionship, and joy. She embraced community life there, staying active and engaged by attending bingo, movie nights, outings, workout classes, and many other activities. Lila formed meaningful friendships and was cherished by those around her. As the oldest among her circle of friends, she was watched over with special care and wrapped in love and tenderness each day—a reflection of the same warmth and compassion she had shared with others throughout her life.

Faith was one of the most defining and important aspects of Lila’s life. A devout Catholic, she lived her faith daily—not only in words, but through action, service, and example. Well into her early 90s, Lila could still be found driving herself to daily Mass, a reflection of her deep devotion and steadfast commitment to God. Her faith guided every part of her life and shaped the way she loved, served, and cared for others. She was a woman of quiet strength, boundless generosity, and unwavering kindness—a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who led her family with humility and grace.

Though she will be deeply missed, Lila’s life was truly stitched together with love, and her legacy will continue to wrap the world in warmth for years to come.