Lila M. (Westby) Derby

Lila Mae (Westby) Derby, age 84, passed away Monday, Sept. 10, 2007, at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Brainerd after a brief illness. She was born May 1, 1923, in Park Rapids, Minn., to Arthur and Velma (Jenson) Westby. She married Gerald Derby June 21, 1941, and they lived in Pequot Lakes area most of their lives, working at various jobs. Lila did lots of painting, gardening, sewing and quilting. She was a Gold Star Mother, losing her only son in Vietnam.

Up until 2006 when Lila entered the nursing home, the coffee pot was always on for any who stopped by and there was usually a fresh batch of cookies on the table.

She is survived by a brother, Irvin Westby, of Twin Valley, Minn.; sister, Lena "Dolly" Bernard, of Nisswa, Minn.; sister-in-law, Betty Westby, of Virginia, Minn.; brother-in-law, Lowell (Jean) Derby, of Bagley, Minn.; sister-in-law, Vi Derby, of Scottsbluff, Neb.; aunt, Carnetha Greniger, of Chisholm, Minn.; and several nephews, nieces and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald; son, Earl; her parents; and brothers, Victor and Hans Westby.

Visitation will be 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14, 2007, at Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd with burial following at Greenwood Cemetery in Nisswa.

Arrangements by Nelson-Doran Funeral Home in Brainerd.