Obituary of Thelma Lilley

Thelma M. Lilley lived her life within view of the church she attended and served for most of her 94 years. Advertisement Ms. Lilley's strong faith motivated her to devote her life to others without asking for much in return, said her niece, Jean Shotwell of Independence. Ms. Lilley died of natural causes Saturday at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Edgewood. She left behind friends and family grateful for the time she spent caring for people. She never married and lived mostly by taking care of the infirmed or children of family and friends, Shotwell said. She might get paid a small sum or stayed with the person she cared for, Shotwell said. "She was the kindest and most spiritual person I have ever known," her niece said. She took care of her father, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, Shotwell said. Ms. Lilley stayed with Shotwell for a time and would regularly baby-sit Shotwell's kids. "People would call her and say, 'Could you stay with so-and-so?' " Shotwell said. She served for about 65 years as a custodian for Carters Chapel United Methodist Church in Demossville. She taught Sunday school there for about 70 years. The church was in view of the house where she grew up and lived for most of her life on the Kenton County/Grant County border. "I'm going to miss going to church and see that she is not sitting in her usual seat," Shotwell said. "The pastor said the other day when he was here that he didn't think she had ever missed two Sundays in a row." She is survived by a brother, Elwood Orr of Butler, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. today, July 30, with service following at Carters Chapel United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Carters Chapel Cemetery. Memorials: Carters Chapel United Methodist Church, 1044 Carters Chapel Road, Demossville, KY 41033. Memorials can be sent to Carters Chapel United Methodist Church, 1044 Carters Chapel Road, Demossville, KY 41033.