Service Details
All are invited to the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 12:00 noon in St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church (6400 Spring Street) with Fr. Yamid Blanco officiating. Visitation will be Saturday at the church from 10 am -12 noon. Private interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park.
To view Ruth’s service livestream on Saturday at 12 noon:
St. Paul the Apostle Church is livestreaming the service for the Lilla family. The church has given instructions as follows:
Go to Facebook. Type in St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church Racine. You may have to follow or like their page in order to view. Ruth’s Mass of Christian Burial will appear on the page and you will be able to witness her service live. Thank you for joining the Lilla family at this difficult time. Mom loved you all!
Memorial Suggestions
In memory of Ruth, memorials to St. Paul the Apostle Church or to the Racine County Sheriff’s “Deputy Friendly Program” have been suggested.
Racine – Ruth Marie (nee: Davis) Lilla, age 84, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded with the love of her three children and brother, on Monday, January 25, 2021.
Ruth was born in Racine on July 20, 1936 to the late Edward J. and Ruth G. (nee: McMahon) Davis. She proudly graduated from St. Catherine’s High School in 1954. On July 19, 1958 in St. Edward Catholic Church, Ruth was united in marriage with the love of her life, Nello Salvatore Lilla, who always called her his “Special Angel”. They were married 53 years, continuously celebrating “Tuesday Date Day”, before Nello passed away on November 8, 2011.
Ruth was a dedicated stay at home mom until her children were all in junior high. She then began working part-time for Zirbel’s Florist, where they taught her the art of floral design. She retired after 12 years to spend more time with Nello and her adored grandsons. She was a longtime member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, where she volunteered her time decorating the altar with her personally created floral arrangements & also decorated All Saints Hospital Chapel for many years. She was also a member of the Catholic Woman’s Club of Racine, Twin Mother’s Club, and the St. Cat’s Class of ’54 Club. Ruth was always thinking of others…and without fail was always sending out birthday, anniversary & get well cards to everyone she knew. She enjoyed her social visits with friends, playing cards, shopping trips, antiquing, cheering for the Chicago Cubs, and baking. When you stopped by for a visit, you never left hungry. Mostly, Ruth’s life revolved around her family, especially “her boys” (six grandsons).
Surviving are her children, Michael (Randi) Lilla, Gary (Sara) Lilla and Therese (Kevin Arent) Anchondo; six grandsons “her boys”, Michael (Stephanie) Anchondo, Mario Anchondo, Nicholas Lilla, Nathan Lilla, Matthew Lilla and Jacob Lilla; treasured great-grandchildren, Hailey, Bradley, Kyla and Jayla Anchondo; brothers, Warren (Joyce) Davis and Robert (Suzie) Davis; sisters-in-law, Mardell Davis and Genevieve Lilla; nieces, nephews, other relatives & many friends – too numerous to mention all by name.
Ruth was greeted in Heaven by her parents, Edward J. and Ruth G. Davis; husband, Nello; sister, Arlene Gray; brother, Richard Davis; Nello’s parents, Ottavio and Dolcissima (nee: Vignoli) Lilla; and brothers-in-law, Americo (Marisa) Lilla and Mario Lilla.
All are invited to the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 12:00 noon in St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church (6400 Spring Street) with Fr. Yamid Blanco officiating. Visitation will be Saturday at the church from 10 am -12 noon. Private interment will take place in West Lawn Memorial Park. In memory of Ruth, memorials to St. Paul the Apostle Church or to the Racine County Sheriff’s “Deputy Friendly Program” have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to Aurora’s doctors, staff, and Hospice, and to caregiver Evelyn Darko for their compassionate care. Additional thanks to all our family & friends who continued to reach out with cards, calls, thoughts & prayers when Mom needed them most. May God bless all of you!
Brian & Cindy Tusler says
Not sure when you and Nello first moved into the flat, next door to us, but your loving presence has always been on my mind, even though it was probably 60 or so years ago. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your wonderful children and their families. So many past wonderful memories from the days on Monroe ave with your family. God bless!
Darren Prudhom says
“Aunt” Ruthie was a treasured friend of our family for decades.
I have many great childhood memories of visiting her and “Uncle”
Nello. She was always positive and a joy to be around. Mike, Gary,
Terry and your families are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shelly Zalokar says
I am very saddened by Ruth’s passing. I have enjoyed our special online communications and the joy we shared of our family photos. Ruth will be remembered always for her thoughtfulness and her appreciation of others.
Kurt & Michelle Sholly says
Lilla family, it is with much love that we sincerely share in your sorrow. Your Mom was an amazing lady and has been an inspiration through the years! Hugs to you all. Prayers for comfort!
Judie & Bill Metallo says
Ruth was the kindness loving and bold hard playing BooRey Cards. Her generosity funny laugh great dinner desserts were enjoyed by many we have had Ruth in our live over 36 years with fond memories. JUDIE & Bill Metallo
Tammy Harbach says
Our entire huge family has been blessed by Nello’s “Special angel”. Ruthie was so caring and thoughtful to all who knew her. She was a delight and it was always fun to be with her. Our hearts go out to all of you. She will be missed by many.
Jim McMahon says
Ruth will always be “Little Ruthie” to me. It was a special occasion when she arrived at one of our McMahon gatherings. She made everything lighter, brighter and more fun. The day she and Nello were married is one of my favorite memories. She was so beautiful and happy. I’m thankful to have been one of her little cousins. She will be missed. But, will be in my heart.
Joe & Ann Riesselmann says
Ruth was always fun to be with, we will always remember her laugh and smile. A very talented lady with her floral creations. We have some she made for us for special occasions, they are nice memories of her. We met Ruth and Nello over 40 years ago. Family was everything to them. You are all in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
Rich and Ann ruler says
We will miss her. Kindness and love and most of all her caring ways.Ruth was one of a kind Lady she will be greatly missed
Bill Vyvyan says
Sincere condolences to the Lila family. Hello and Ruth were fantastic people and will not be forgotten.. God be with you.
Shirley, Tracy and Dave Odders says
Ruth was a wonderful woman and a great neighbor.
She will be sorely missed.
We have only fond memories of her.
Linda Udulutch says
To my dearest friend I am so sorry for your loss may God keep you safe and continue to be a blessing
miss you guys dearly
Tony Frank Chandler,AZ frankattitude369@gmail.com says
I am very sorry to hear about Ruth… She was a very genuine good friend and will be missed …
Jim Michel says
My sincere sympathies to Ruth’s family. She was always a sweetheart ❤️ and a pleasure to talk to. RIP Ruth. Prayers for your family 🙏🙏🙏
Karen DeMint (McMahon) says
I am deeply saddened to hear of “Little Ruth’s “ passing. To her children Mike, Gary and Terry my deepest sympathies to each of you and to your families. I am sure it is very difficult to have lost such a wonderful Mother. She lives on in your hearts and your wonderful memories. She was a wonderful lady in every way and I will miss her deeply.
Barb Magnusson says
Ruthie was always the fun cousin. We will all miss her. Our sympathy goes out to all of her family. You will have such happy memories, as we all will,
Dave & Sharon (McMahon) Geertsen says
Dave and I were so sad to hear about “Little Ruthie”. She was one of those rare and remarkable people that made you immediately feel comfortable and cared for. As someone shared before me, I know that heaven will be much brighter today because she is there. Our prayers will be with and for all of you as you say goodbye for now to your mom, sister, gramma, to Ruthie, a beautiful, kind and loving person. We will miss her dearly.
Your Perry Avenue neighbor...Pat Jordan Falduto says
Mike, Gary and Terri,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear Mother. I am at home now mending after a fall that resulted in a broken leg or I would have attended her service today. Your Mom had one of the kindest, most giving hearts I have ever known. May she Rest in Peace visiting with loved ones that have passed before her.
Jim & Paula Huck says
Our condolences to all of you
Frances M. Matranga says
Dear Family of my dear friend from Holy Name .
,God bless Ruth I will miss her. I will remember her in all my Rosarys always. yours truly, Frances Matranga
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Robert Gray says
Aunt Ruthy had this brightness about her. Truly the kindest person I have ever known. Family was always most important to her. My deepest sympathy to the Lilla Family. I know her and Uncle Nello are together again now and for eternity. God Bless ❤
Rick Kirt says
When I joined St. Paul’s I knew your dad from us both being in Law Enforcement. Then I met your mom. What a sweet soul and good friend. She always treated as a friend, almost family.
You and your family will always be in my prayers.
Ron Ruffalo says
My deepest sympathy to the Lilla family. I knew Ruth at St. Cats as she was an upper classman. She was always a sweetheart and a loveable person. She had an infectious smile that lifted the spirits of everyone.
Bob & says
We will miss cheering on the Cubs. rest in peace.
Bob & Pat Bruno
Rebecca Cook says
My deepest sympathy to
the Lilla Family. Aunt Ruthy was a truly amazing person. Anyone that got to know her was blessed. She had such a big heart and never judged anyone. She was an Angel sent from heaven. Now she is at peace and reunited with Uncle Nello. She will be truly missed. Until we meet again. ❤️
Marilynn Thielen says
Mike & Gary, your mom was a great Lady always had a smile and a great laugh.
Ed Garza says
My deepest sympathy to the Lilla family
Michael Frank says
Was great growing up on Monroe Avenue, in Racine; just across the street from the Lilla family. My brother Barry (deceased post gulf-war) and I were “best friends” with Michael and Gary; all the same ages. Because Michael Lilla was older and bigger; I was know as “little Michael” on the street. Mrs. Lilla always took good care of us; what a gem. Once a year, we would barricade the street at both ends; and have a “block party”. Everyone would come out to share food and their year.
On Wisconsin!!
Michael Frank (son of Tony and Nancy)