Share your memories of Lila with the form at the bottom of the page.
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Rick Halsey
on May 15, 2025 at 1:14 am
Similar to the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, who created a space for growing friendships and thoughtful kindness, Lila and George created a Girvinian Garden.
When I visited for the first time, George greeted me with a warm, welcoming bear hug of the likes I had never experienced before. Walking in, Lila’s gentle smile and kind eyes lit up the entire room, a room filled with sun, soft pillows, and so many books. The conversations we had helped set aflame the passion for learning about and understanding the world for me in wild, new ways. Then, of course, there was the lake house and the farm, extensions of the Girvinian Garden that allowed Nature to do what it does best – set free the mind and body to explore and embrace one’s true self.
I didn’t know it at the time, but the environment Lila and George created would forever set a standard for me for all the homes I would build over the years, always endeavoring to provide a space that would set any visitor at ease, to be free to be themselves.
I feel so thankful to have experienced true and profound friendship through the love my grandparents, Joy and Wayne, and Lila and George had for each other. Lila and George are present in so many of my memories. From the hardest times when my grandparents passed away for example, to the most joyous times: weddings, baby showers, milestone birthdays and 50th anniversary parties. It’s truly a gift to have lived in the light of such a friendship, and I will treasure those memories and that love for ever.
Lila and my mom, Barbara Fellows, were friends and fellow painters going way back – before Lila and George started a family. My mom was teaching at the WSC (college) Extension in Spokane and Lila was in one of her classes. So, I’ve known Lila most of my life – 75 years. She’s simply a dear person to me. I might not see her for several years but when back in Spokane I knew I could call and go over to visit. We would pick up the conversation from where we left off earlier. My heart has an empty place for her. She was truly loved by me and my family.
Paul (Bucky) Fellows
It was pure joy knowing Lila when I was in Spokane in the 1970s with my Juniper Tree Gallery. I was so honored to show her work and create a beautiful environment to allow her paintings to be seen by her ever growing admirers and would lift all who saw them.
I also loved sharing the works of Carl Jung with her: Memories Dreams and Reflections, a favorite and, Mandala Symbolism. Lila was so ahead of her time and brought a deep, spiritual world into being around her, lifting all.
Lila Birthed Beauty in all she created, including her extraordinary family—Treasures all.
She will be remembered with heart, always
Sending Love and Light
Joanne Warfield
(Joanne Prigmore in Spokane days)
I can’t quite remember when and how I met Lila. It was before she went on the Evergreen Board and it was before our daughter was born in 1987. I know that one for sure because Lila hosted a baby shower! She was a member of our Board at Northwest Regional Facilitators for a number of years. In 1997, when our dear friend Robert Theobald moved to Spokane to complete his life, Lila loaned one of her lovely paintings to brighten his apartment and later kindly donated it to NewStories.
And then there was George, of course. Through Lila, meeting George, What two wonderful people. Just before COVID rained down on us, we were talking about going skiing at Mt. Spokane. We were the young pups, barely past 70.
I am so blessed to have been in friendship, and in service with both of them.
I met Lila at the UU Church in Spokane where she was a respected and wise leader. Gracious is the best word I can think of to describe her. When you interacted with her she always gave you her full attention, asking about your life and activities. She was so generous with her compliments. I suspect it is no accident that her art was full of light, because that was who she was, a woman full of light and love. I consider myself so lucky to have known her. I am so sorry I will out of town and miss her memorial service.
This is Holly Pruett, daughter of Jane Jervis who had the pleasure of being Lila’s friend and colleague at The Evergreen State College when Lila served on the board and Jane was hired as the first female President of TESC. Jane always speaks with such affection of Lila, and enjoys one of Lila’s painting as the centerpiece of her living room. Jane sends her condolences to Lila’s family and community.
Similar to the ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus, who created a space for growing friendships and thoughtful kindness, Lila and George created a Girvinian Garden.
When I visited for the first time, George greeted me with a warm, welcoming bear hug of the likes I had never experienced before. Walking in, Lila’s gentle smile and kind eyes lit up the entire room, a room filled with sun, soft pillows, and so many books. The conversations we had helped set aflame the passion for learning about and understanding the world for me in wild, new ways. Then, of course, there was the lake house and the farm, extensions of the Girvinian Garden that allowed Nature to do what it does best – set free the mind and body to explore and embrace one’s true self.
I didn’t know it at the time, but the environment Lila and George created would forever set a standard for me for all the homes I would build over the years, always endeavoring to provide a space that would set any visitor at ease, to be free to be themselves.
I feel so thankful to have experienced true and profound friendship through the love my grandparents, Joy and Wayne, and Lila and George had for each other. Lila and George are present in so many of my memories. From the hardest times when my grandparents passed away for example, to the most joyous times: weddings, baby showers, milestone birthdays and 50th anniversary parties. It’s truly a gift to have lived in the light of such a friendship, and I will treasure those memories and that love for ever.
Lila and my mom, Barbara Fellows, were friends and fellow painters going way back – before Lila and George started a family. My mom was teaching at the WSC (college) Extension in Spokane and Lila was in one of her classes. So, I’ve known Lila most of my life – 75 years. She’s simply a dear person to me. I might not see her for several years but when back in Spokane I knew I could call and go over to visit. We would pick up the conversation from where we left off earlier. My heart has an empty place for her. She was truly loved by me and my family.
Paul (Bucky) Fellows
It was pure joy knowing Lila when I was in Spokane in the 1970s with my Juniper Tree Gallery. I was so honored to show her work and create a beautiful environment to allow her paintings to be seen by her ever growing admirers and would lift all who saw them.
I also loved sharing the works of Carl Jung with her: Memories Dreams and Reflections, a favorite and, Mandala Symbolism. Lila was so ahead of her time and brought a deep, spiritual world into being around her, lifting all.
Lila Birthed Beauty in all she created, including her extraordinary family—Treasures all.
She will be remembered with heart, always
Sending Love and Light
Joanne Warfield
(Joanne Prigmore in Spokane days)
Always there…
I can’t quite remember when and how I met Lila. It was before she went on the Evergreen Board and it was before our daughter was born in 1987. I know that one for sure because Lila hosted a baby shower! She was a member of our Board at Northwest Regional Facilitators for a number of years. In 1997, when our dear friend Robert Theobald moved to Spokane to complete his life, Lila loaned one of her lovely paintings to brighten his apartment and later kindly donated it to NewStories.
And then there was George, of course. Through Lila, meeting George, What two wonderful people. Just before COVID rained down on us, we were talking about going skiing at Mt. Spokane. We were the young pups, barely past 70.
I am so blessed to have been in friendship, and in service with both of them.
I met Lila at the UU Church in Spokane where she was a respected and wise leader. Gracious is the best word I can think of to describe her. When you interacted with her she always gave you her full attention, asking about your life and activities. She was so generous with her compliments. I suspect it is no accident that her art was full of light, because that was who she was, a woman full of light and love. I consider myself so lucky to have known her. I am so sorry I will out of town and miss her memorial service.
This is Holly Pruett, daughter of Jane Jervis who had the pleasure of being Lila’s friend and colleague at The Evergreen State College when Lila served on the board and Jane was hired as the first female President of TESC. Jane always speaks with such affection of Lila, and enjoys one of Lila’s painting as the centerpiece of her living room. Jane sends her condolences to Lila’s family and community.
To me she was soft spoken with a quiet wit laced with mischievousness and wisdom. I regret having to miss her Celebration of Life