Lila W. Mckinney

Lila W. McKinney went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 12, 2024.

She was born on Sept. 2, 1926, to Leroy and Christina Green, in Milton-Freewater, Oregon. Lila was the second of four girls. She grew up in various places in Montana, enjoying the rigors of farm life, with her favorite home being a ranch on the Boulder. Her high school years were spent in Laurel, where her family owned and operated the Chuckwagon Cafe.

Following high school, Lila moved to Billings to room with girlfriends and work at JC Penney’s downtown. It was there that she met Victor “Gene” McKinney, who, in her words, was “the handsomest man she had ever seen!” They were married on Sept. 5, 1948, making their home together in Billings. She and Gene raised two children, Vicki and Gordon, and were blessed with 53 years together, prior to Gene’s passing in 2001.

Lila was a lady of many talents and hobbies, including baking, canning, gardening and sewing. Possessing excellent clerical skills, she worked as a secretary for many years at the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. She also had a passion for athletics, as an avid fan of Billings West High and MSU Bobcat sports, cheering in person and then via KURL radio in her later years. Her primary devotion, however, was to the Lord, having received Him as her Savior as a young child. Lila began each morning in prayer and Bible Study. She was a dedicated Sunday School teacher and opened her home to children of all ages for many years as an instructor with Child Evangelism Fellowship.

Her family remembers her kindness, wisdom and generosity, her beautiful singing voice that remained throughout her years, her daily commitment to steadfast prayer, and her sweet smile with every warm greeting.

Lila is preceded in death by her loving husband, Gene; and her sisters, Georgia Speare and Bobbie Harper. She is survived by her sister, Patsy Wagner; daughter Vicki Handley (Steve); son Gordon McKinney (Kathy); five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life service for Lila will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 25, at Faith Evangelical Church, 3145 Sweetwater Drive.

Memorials may be made to Billings Christian School.