Lila Jean King

Lila Jean Harris King -- loving mother, grandmother, great grandma, sister, aunt, and friend -- passed away peacefully on Monday, March 7, 2022, at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, UT due to a massive stroke.

Lila recently celebrated her 93rd birthday as she was born on February 17, 1929 in Layton, UT to David Oscar and Vera Mae Parker Harris, being the seventh of eleven children. Her family later moved to Huntsville, UT, where she always enjoyed her beautiful mountain home and knowing that she shared her small town with President David O. McKay.

After Lila graduated from Weber High School, she and her girlfriend went on a blind double date with two young men. Even though Lon was not Lila's date, it must have been love at first sight as they dated only each other after that first meeting. Alonzo E. King married Lila Jean Harris on June 3, 1948 in the Salt Lake Temple and they made their first home in Ogden, UT while Lon completed his education at the University of Utah and Lila worked at Dee Hospital in Ogden. She didn't last too long at that job because of her tender, caring heart that hurt when she saw others suffering, especially children. Lila then proudly dedicated herself to her full-time calling of homemaking.

We never went on any family vacations except for our yearly summer trips from California, as that is where they moved after graduation, to Huntsville where both their families resided. They may not have traveled the world, but Lila and Lon enjoyed seeing a lot of the United States as they were transferred by his work from California to West Virginia, then New Jersey and finally Houston, Texas. Retiring to Utah, they bought their final home in their beloved Draper. Lon and Lila had always wanted to serve a mission together, but when the call came, Lila's health had begun to fail. She remarked that since they had served in several wards, branches, districts, and stakes in all types of circumstances, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, from the Gulf of Mexico to the majestic Rocky Mountains, perhaps they had served their mission.

Lila served in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in practically every calling. She seemed like she was Wonder Woman in her earlier years as she accomplished so much and influenced so many people, yet still maintained an immaculate home, cared for her husband and four children, was a wonderful cook, seamstress, master crafter, and even a Den Mother in the Scouting program. It's hard to picture Lila ever sitting down to take a break.

Lila loved Jeopardy and the Jazz, babies (including the beanie variety), and her Cougars and chocolate cake which she made every Saturday for the family dinner on Sunday. However, Lila's greatest legacy was her love and gratitude for the Lord Jesus Christ along with her sweet testimony, her happy demeanor, her beautiful voice singing while she cleaned, cooked, or ironed, her friendliness to one and all and especially her unconditional love. Even her High School yearbook labeled her as "fun-loving".

Lila Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her devoted husband, her five brothers, Darrell, Eldon, Ray, William, and Parker; three sisters, Faye, Mary, Doris; one grandson, Trever Dale King; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Lila King is survived by her four children, Carolyn (Jim) Ungricht, Marsha (Scott) Smith, Dale King and Bruce King; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph (Majken) Harris and Robert (Bonnie) Harris; another sister-in-law, Lea King Hoyt as well as her surviving eight grandchildren and twenty great grandchildren; also many nieces and nephews.

It was a sad day when Lon passed away 15 1/2 years ago. Lila missed him terribly and would go to his picture every night, get misty eyed, and gently give a quick, almost caressing touch.

We will all miss Lila every day. She once expressed that she did not like cards that stated sorrow that the receiver had "lost" a loved one. She further explained that the deceased was not lost to us; we know exactly where they are! Now, imagine the joyous reunion Lila has had with her sweetheart as well her many dear extended family members and friends. May this scene lift our spirits up as we renew our resolve to follow her example.

A viewing will be held Friday, March 11, 2022 from 6-8pm at Larkin Mortuary Riverton, located at 3688 W 12600 S, Riverton, Utah. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Draper 16th Ward Building, 13112 South 700 East, Draper UT, with a private, family members only, viewing one hour prior to services.

For the protection of high-risk family members, we ask that those attending the viewing and funeral to please wear a mask.

Those who wish to view the COMPLETED services via Zoom can click the "Watch Services" button or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/BeZZihFNYv7u6Ugza8_L43OrfVv-pHlTtTHgSpwKkiL2h-6WNLPc8CcrfHUXEB-F.ftLc8shxp8NmQo5d?startTime=1647108050000