Lila Lea Edwards

Lila Lea Edwards, age 93, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, in Manhattan, Kansas.

Born on August 6, 1932, in Wamego, Kansas, the beloved daughter of James and Eva (Weybrew) Bellinger.

Lila was raised on a Kansas ranch where she developed a lifelong affinity for horses and rural life. She learned to ride at a young age, with her first horse, Dixie, becoming her cherished companion. Lila attended a country school near her home, often walking or riding her horse to class. Demonstrating an early gift for learning, she graduated at the top of her high school class and was always remembered as an exceptionally bright and resourceful student.

Lila married Louis Dale Edwards on September 7, 1951. Together, they built a life rooted deeply in love and partnership. Dale’s outgoing nature complemented Lila’s gentle shyness, and together they raised a loving family and worked tirelessly to support them. After her husband’s untimely passing in 1977, Lila drew upon her remarkable inner strength to keep her family and household moving forward.

Lila’s life was marked not only by her love for her family but by her dedication to hard work and community. She managed the family farm, tended a large garden, and was known to sew clothing for her children with meticulous care and skill. After the loss of her husband, Lila pursued further education, earning a general associate's degree from Highland Community College. She balanced her responsibilities at home with part-time work at a bookstore and as a bookkeeper for Skelgas. Within her community, Lila became a leader for the Lucky 11 4H and was a member of a local bowling league.

A lifelong lover of reading, Lila explored the world through books, mapping out destinations she dreamed of visiting on the world map she kept hung on her wall. Her passions, rooted in simple joys and steadfast love for those around her, were evident in every aspect of her life.

Lila is survived by her children, Debra (Thomas Wilson) Edwards, Tony Edwards, Kellie Edwards, Jo Ellen (Jesse) Mullins, and Granddaughters, Jordyn Mullins and Julia Mullins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Edwards, and her parents, James and Eva (Weybrew) Bellinger.

A visitation will be held on July 1, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, 4370 Salzer Rd., Wamego, KS. A Rosary will follow at the same location from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM. A luncheon will be held from 12:00 PM until service time. The Mass will be held at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 17665 Old Post Rd, Wamego, KS, at 1:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Good Shepherd Hospice House, and those can be left in care of Campanella & Stewart Funeral Home, P.O. Box 48, Wamego, KS 66547.