Lila Jean Tucker Felts

Lila Jean Tucker Felts, 94, passed away peacefully at her home on April 10, 2024, with her daughter, Kathy, and granddaughter, Shelby, by her side.

Lila is survived by her children, Stephen (Paula), Clinton (Lauri), and Kathleen (Tom); her grandchildren, Tyson (Stephanie), Christopher (Sarah), Amanda (Craig), Samantha (John), Shelby, and Joseph Bennett; and her great-grandchildren, Aviana, Elinara, Vita, Serene, Leo, Preston, Connor, Adelyn, J. Bennett, Jameson, and Kaden.

Lila is preceded in death by her husband, Tom; her parents, Ruby and Homer Tucker; her brother, John; and her sister, Patricia.

Lila was born in Portland, Oregon, on February 20, 1930. After spending a short time in Walla Walla, WA, Lila’s family made Salt Lake City, UT, their home. Lila graduated from East High School. Lila met the love of her life, Thomas Bennett, when she was 13 years old. They married April 18, 1949. Their first-born, Stephen Bennett, was born in Salt Lake City the next year. Tom and Lila moved to Billings, MT, to work with her family for a short time. They returned to Salt Lake City, where they welcomed their second son, Clinton Bennett. Lila and Tom moved to Idaho Falls, ID in 1954, to work for Bearing Service and Supply to facilitate the build of Palisades Dam. With that experience, Tom and partner, Vaun Bingham, began their own businesses, Bearing and Industrial Sales, Inc. and Industrial Hose and Fittings in 1971. Daughter, Kathleen, was born in Idaho Falls. Later in life, Lila and Tom wintered in St. George, UT. Tom passed away September 13, 2015. They were married 66 years.

Lila was the consummate homemaker, creating warm, lovely homes for her family. Her love for family was the center of her world, evident in her approach to entertaining, daily chores, wrapping a holiday package, knitting a Christmas stocking, writing a handwritten message (always using a blue felt-tipped pen), and doting on her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Several of her grandchildren called her Grandma Snickers, while others developed a love for her jam, chili sauce, or homemade chicken noodle soup. She was at the ready to “fix a sandwich” or solve a problem with an extra creamsicle. Lila loved to bowl, golf, play games, build jigsaw puzzles, read, and work in her colorful garden. She and Tom were legacy members of the Idaho Falls Country Club, shareholders at Jefferson Golf Club, and early Elks Club members. Tom nicknamed her “Words;” at a gathering, she gave all her time and attention to a conversation, even when her husband was ready to go home. Lila showed unconditional love and acceptance, always assumed good intent, actively listened, and modeled tolerance, patience, strength, and bravery. Lila and Tom were willing to help from near or far, for anything big or small. (Adapted from family input)

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Eastern Idaho Hospice and their nurses for the excellent care and respect they provided our mother and to Dr. Scott Taylor for his care and help.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Eastern Idaho Hospice, a donation in Lila’s name to a charity of your choosing, or plant a tulip in her honor.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.