Lila M. Arnold

Lila M. Arnold passed away on November 2, 2023 in Wichita KS. She was born near Newkirk OK on May 3, 1931, to Leslie R. and Pearl (Howard) McWhorter who both predeceased her. Lila was also predeceased by two younger siblings: Walter McWhorter and Lillian Crease.

 Lila is survived by daughter Laurie Showell (Judy Johnston), son Gregg Arnold (Ginny), and son Jay Arnold (Stacy) as well as seven grandchildren: Weston, Harper, Aynsley, Cameron, Connor, Jordan and Evan, and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her life partner of over twenty years, Sigrid Trombley.

Lila married her high school sweetheart, Robert R. Arnold in 1952 and they later divorced. Over the course of their 30+ year marriage, they raised their 3 children and Lila went back to school to complete her education. Lila graduated from Wichita State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree followed by a Master of Fine Arts. Lila was a gifted writer having published poetry as well as written and edited speeches and other commercial publications. She shared her talent for composing music and lyrics with the Unitarian Church in Wichita where she was active for many years. Additionally, she worked as a realtor for 24 years before retiring at age 78.

Lila was a devoted lover of music and literature as well as her family, friends and church community. She enjoyed playing bridge and other games, doing puzzles, reading, listening to music, fine dining, entertaining and socializing. She will be greatly missed by her loved ones and a multitude of friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, December 2, 2023 at the First Unitarian Universalist Church.      The Zoom link for the service is:   https://zoom.us/j/94753942435 .

In lieu of flowers, Lila requested that donations be made in her name to the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 7202 E 21st St N, Wichita, KS 67206.