Lila Kathleen Chance's Obituary
Lila Kathleen Chance, 50, of Leesville, LA was born November 23, 1975, in Udon, Thailand, she passed away peacefully in Lake Charles Memorial Hospital surrounded by family, in the early morning February 17th, 2026. Lila had been diagnosed with lung cancer in early January 2026.
Her work ethic and cooking ability was learned at an early age with her grandma and grandpa Chance. Her love for music started there as well listening to the likes of Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Waylon Jennings, Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, etc. She got her first taste of live music in 2008 at Rocklahoma and quickly made up for lost time seeing hundreds of artists. Lila had many jobs over the years. At the time of her cancer diagnosis, she was the Financial Director for the Vernon Council on Aging and a waitress at Tunk's Cypress Inn. It was her second stint at the Council on Aging. She had a deep fondness for the Seniors she dealt with. Her love for animals and specifically her fur babies were unparalleled. She had the gift of gab and could adapt to any situation.
Lila was preceded in death by her father, Marvis Llano Chance.
She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Wanee and Dan Hughes; brothers, Sam Chance, Charlie Chance and Robert Chance; sisters, Patchile Russell, Constance Hughes, and Rebecca Reynolds; son, Blake Cripps and girlfriend Delia Mitchell; daughter Kealee Rooker Pope and husband, Branndon: granddaughter, Milliana Pope; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.
A memorial service celebrating Lila's life will be held at the Vernon Council on Aging Sunday, March 1st @ 2:00 PM with a reception following. Bro. Randall Bryan will be officiating. In lieu of flowers we ask that you make donations to the Vernon Council on Aging or to her children to help with expenses.
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