Lila W. McKinney passed away on June 12, 2024, to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
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 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.
After high school, Lila moved to Billings to work at JC Penney’s downtown, where she met Victor “Gene” McKinney, whom she described as “the handsomest man she had ever seen!” They were married on Sept. 5, 1948, and made their home in Billings. Together, they raised two children, Vicki and Gordon, and enjoyed 53 years together before Gene’s passing in 2001.
Lila had many talents and hobbies, including baking, canning, gardening, and sewing. She worked as a secretary at the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch and was a dedicated fan of Billings West High and MSU Bobcat sports. However, her primary devotion was to the Lord, starting each day with prayer and Bible study. She was also a Sunday School teacher and involved with Child Evangelism Fellowship.
Her family remembers her kindness, wisdom, and generosity, as well as her beautiful singing voice, steadfast prayer, and warm smile.
Lila was preceded in death by her husband, Gene, and 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.
A Celebration of Life service for Lila will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 25, at Faith Evangelical Church, 3145 Sweetwater Drive.
Memorials can be made to Billings Christian School.
Share your condolences at www.michelottisawyers.com.