Lila Loretta Gabbard

Obituary

Lila L. Gabbard

December 28, 1938 – April 28, 2026

Surrounded by her loving family, Lila Gabbard, 87, went to be with her Lord at Spirit Mountain Hospice on April 28, 2026.

Lila was born on December 28, 1938, in Cripple Creek, Colorado, the middle child of Fred and Lillian (Hopkins) Webb.

She married William Elmer Gabbard on September 11, 1954, in Laramie, Wyoming.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Gabbard; parents; daughter, Holly Wallace; and grandson, Brandon Mitchell. Survivors include her daughters, Deborah Gabbard and Lisa (Mat) King; grandchildren: Brian Mitchell, Brittany (Keven) Buss, Michaela Wallace, and Zachary Wallace; great-grandchildren, LeeAnna (Jack) Rawlins, Eli, Brandon, Clayton, and Riley Mitchell, and Olive Truman; great-great grandson, Arthur Rawlins; son-in-law, Wally Wallace; sisters, Delores (Bud) Shirrell of Yuma, Arizona and Melva Jean (Bob) Allesaindri of Layton, UT.

Anyone who knew Lila experienced her fierce independence. She knew exactly what she wanted and, if possible, did not settle for less. Her mental strength and intelligence earned her the nickname of "Doctor Lila." While we hated to admit it, she was right 99% of the time when we questioned anything. She was also an incredible artist and avid reader. She loved the Lord and spent her days listening to her favorite preachers on CSN Radio. She was an inspiration to all who spent time with her because she was always kind and positive, and she never complained.

Lila's love of sweets came later in life. After 40+ years of not eating any sugar, she went all out when she decided sweets were the way to go. Half of her grocery list consisted of cookies, pies, and cinnamon rolls. She even kept a broom and dustpan next to her bed to sweep up the crumbs. In her final two weeks in hospital/hospice care, she told housekeeping she wished they were sweeping up cookie crumbs and was very enthused when cream puffs were mentioned.

Lila was a rock for her family, always excited for a visit and eager to hear what was going on in everyone's life. Her grandkids were a joy for her. She was the kind of grandma who let you eat whatever you wanted at her house and used her humor to make you feel better when life got the best of you. Lila loved her family and valued every minute she spent with them. She will be missed.

As per Lila's request, no formal services will be held. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.