A few words from Frank about his beloved….
“How can I summarize 65 years with a wife as beautiful, talented, faithful and Godly as my Lila Jane? We always referred to each other as “My Darling” and when I said “I love you” she always replied, “I love you more” with a twinkle in her eye.
She loved everyone and everyone loved her. Lila Jane’s heart was in missions and she gave all she had and touched lives all over the world as she played keyboard, sang, prayed and preached as we traveled in evangelism and pastored together.
Lila Jane was recognized as the “Military Wife of the Year”- in 1972 for all of her civic contributions while I served in Viet Nam. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree while raising our four children and supporting me in my military career.
After raising our children, we founded Bridge Ministries and became missionaries/evangelists. For the past 46 years, we have served people in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Bahamas. Together, we also founded many churches in the Philippines as well as a headquarters building and school in Cagayan de Oro City, where we lived for several years. The churches and school are still thriving and growing to this day. Over the years, Lila Jane continued to expand the ministry around the world by traveling to Ghana, Togo, Liberia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and India.
We agreed that each of us would have the song “If” at our funeral service. While it isn’t a hymn, it’s a love song that fits our love for each other – forever and undying.”
Lila Jane Tibbitts is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Frank; Daughter, Lisa Eggers (Michael), Son, Jeffrey Tibbitts (Linda); Daughter, Loren Kinney (Dennis); Daughter, Janiece Rogers (Larry); Grandchildren: Mary Echevarria (Angel), Jennifer Marsden (Chris), Jessica Lucia (Gary), Rebekah Tibbitts, Ashley Felan (Albert), Stacie (Hismo) Garza, Jr.; Great Grandchildren: Angel Echevarria, Nico Echevarria, Mady Echevarria, Sami Echevarria, Olivia Smith, Tenzin Lucia, Karlie Marsden, Ayden Marsden and Sofeya Ornales, Mia Ornales, Hismo Garza III. She is also survived by her nieces Julie Saillant (Marc) and Laurie Dragunoff; Great Niece, Lindsay Dragunoff.
Lila Jane is predeceased by her parents Owen W. Wardwell and Arlene L. Dwelley. Her brother, Douglas O. Wardwell and Sister, Judith Ann Putnam; Also her son, Brian F. Tibbitts.
There will be a private memorial service in her honor.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly asks that you make a donation to "Bridge Ministries" in the form of a check sent to 4701 Meade Lane, Titusville FL 32780.
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