Lillian Simpson Leggett went to be with her Savior Jesus Christ on October 6, 2022 surrounded by her loving family.  She was born May 3, 1927 in Birmingham, AL to Oscar Virgil Simpson and Emma Lillian (Jones) Simpson.  She lived 95 years full of love, learning, and service.    

Lillian was born a coal miner’s daughter in Alabama and moved to Morgantown, WV for junior high.  After high school in St. Clairsville, Ohio, she attended Ohio University, earning a teaching degree in elementary education. On a college picnic she met a strong handsome man named Robert.  And after a long boat ride on the lake, a courtship began which resulted in a marriage, six kids, ten grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and a life built on love and service.

In 1959  Lillian moved with her husband Robert and family to Richland, WA, so he could work at the Hanford area.  After seeing the snow-capped mountains of Washington, she never looked back.  Lillian filled her summers with camping and hiking, passing on her love of nature to all her children.  

Lillian was a creative and active woman who had a passion for learning, which she shared with her children and grandchildren. She was an evangelistic reader, always wanting to share a book with family and friends. She loved gardening and she made sure her grandchildren knew how to plant a tree properly. She learned to spin yarn from wool fleece, dye the yarn, and knit marvelously ill-fitting hats, mittens, and sweaters for her family.  She became a Master Gardener and would often say that early morning in her garden was her favorite time of day. Lillian also became a Weight Watcher leader, preschool teacher, PEO sister, Bridgeclub member, and ESL instructor.

Lillian achieved many things but her most marvelous achievement was the home she made for her family, and the many guests who stayed at her house and then became family, including the Besic and Blaskin families and Victor Roetman. 

Lillian was a long time member and served faithfully at West Side Church. Lillian, along with Bob and others, started an ESL class at West Side to help those  who were new to our country learn English.  She and Bob taught there for many years, making many friends along the way. Lillian also loved to travel.  Whether on a mission trip, or a cruise or to an elder hostel, Lillian and Bob traveled across the United States and the world.  She and Bob spent two summers teaching English in China which stands as one of the highlights of her life. 

 Lillian loved her friends and made deep friendships. She was a devoted letter writer, keeping up with childhood friends until the end of her life. 

 Lillian was preceded in death by her husband Robert Leggett and son Dean Leggett.  She is survived by her children Mark (Nancy) Leggett, John (Rose) Leggett, Beth (Kevin) Bailey, Ben (Kari) Leggett, Matt (Carolyn) Leggett.  Grandchildren Emily Poyner, Aaron Leggett, Devin (Steve) Cook, Nichole (Joseph)  Davis, Nathan (Justine) Harlan-Bailey, Elliot Bailey, Kendra Leggett (Thomas Darlington) , Jansen (Shauna) Leggett, Andrew (Brooke) Leggett, and Isaac Leggett. “Adopted” grandchildren Josie Price and Aldiana Gojic and three great grandchildren: Ezra Cook, Sophia and Michael Davis, plus two on the way! 

Lillian’s family would like to thank her doctors and all the caregivers at Guardian Angel Homes for their care and service.

In lieu of flowers please make any memorial contributions to SIGN Fracture Care International.

A memorial service will be held at West Side Church in the South Sanctuary on November 12th at 2:00 pm.