Lila R. Fidler

Lila Ray Fidler, 88 of Fairborn, Ohio, passed away on March 13, 2025. Lila was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, she was known for her strong faith in God, her unwavering belief in His healing power, her love of family, her ability to feed anyone that came by.

Lila was born on July 23, 1936 in Middlesboro, Kentucky to John Thomas and Hattie Lucretia (Bryant) Swangim. Lila was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Lila was preceded in death by her parents John and Hattie Swangim, her first husband Eugene Howard Decker Sr., son Eugene (Gene) Howard Decker, Jr., her second husband John Victor Fidler, son John Steven (Steve) Fidler, daughter Nina Kathryn (Fidler) Pence, siblings Lavena, Arvil and Boyd (JoAnn) Swangim. She is survived by children Terri (Clint) Stinson, Cheryl (Decker) Young, and Cynthia Fidler. Grandchildren Tricia Calvert, Jason Hale, Alicia Worth, Victoria (Jeremy) Powel, Cassandra McDonald, Heather (Kyle) Young-Wagner, Ryan (Chelsea) Young, Thomas (Bunny) Haas, and Rebekah (Jacob) Robinson. Great-Grandchildren - Alexis Williams, Kyliegh (Chase) Smith, David Powell, Alec Fidler, Avery Young, Malachi Young, Toby Wagner, Baylee Young, Harleigh Haas, Luke Robinson and Aaron Robinson. Her brother Earl (Betty-deceased) Swangim and sister Brenda (John-deceased) Lamb.

As a young adult, Lila worked at Woolworth’s Department Store, who wanted her to be an international buyer, but she turned down the opportunity because of the travel required and having young children. She was also asked to drive in the Powder Puff Derby, due to her excellent driving skills, she had the speed and ability to drive the car safely and win. Again she turned this down because of her children. She then got a job with Western Union where she held various positions; including telephone operator and card punch operator, sending the world’s first telefax and working with some of the first computers. She always wanted to be a stay at home mother and got that opportunity when she married John Fidler in 1967. Together they bought a farm and raised their children; which became their, his, hers, and ours family. On the farm they grew their own food, which Lila loved to can, freeze, preserve and cook to take care of their family and the many other family and friends who came through their door. Lila touched the lives of many with her open door policy, she was always ready with a good meal and good conversation. She had a love for God, and will be remembered for unwavering work and steadfast faith. She was a member of the Church of God, Cleveland Tennessee for over 76 years. During this time she helped build the New Carlisle Church of God with her Sister Brenda and her husband Rev. John Lamb. She held many positions in the church and was a Sunday School teacher for decades. She cooked for thousands of church dinners and helped to raise money to build and grow multiple churches. Anytime the church doors were open she was there, including state camp meetings in Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky plus International General Assemblies. She believed that her faith in God and raising her family were her greatest achievements. Her family and friends will forever cherish the memories of Lila's driving and gathering around the table in her home for fellowship.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Wednesday, March 19, 2025 from 4-7PM at Westbrock Funeral Home, 5980 Bigger Rd. Kettering, OH. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Thursday March 20, 2025 at 12:00 noon, burial immediately following at New Carlisle Cemetery in New Carlisle, OH. Pastor Tim Walden officiating.