Lila Alva Culley Obituary (1930 - 2019)

Our devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to everyone she met has returned with great honor to her Father in Heaven. Born on October 22, 1930 to José Refugio Alva and Cecelia Lillian Guevara in Salt Lake City, Utah, she was the fifth of seven children. She attended Granite High School, graduating in 1948. She was a United States Veteran, serving during the Korean War in the Armed Forces. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she served an LDS mission in Northern Mexico from 1955 to 1957. Married to Philip Hugo Stanley Culley in the Salt Lake Temple on November 11, 1960, Lila’s fondest wish was to be a mother, and they began a family without delay, making their home in Murray, Utah. Lila had a passion for gardening, possessing a “green thumb”; there was nothing she couldn’t foster and grow, from vegetable gardens to berry patches to fruit trees and every flower imaginable, even nurturing grape vines until they clung to every inch of the fences that enclosed her colorful yard, yielding an astonishing harvest each year, which was then offered to surrounding neighbors, family, and friends to come and pick to their heart’s delight. But of all her tending to the earth, her greatest love was cultivating beautiful and enviable roses of every shade and variety. She loved to prune and artfully arrange them, often gracing the podium of the chapel she attended on Sundays with her masterful bouquets. Lila was a scriptorian; studying the gospel of Jesus Christ tirelessly, there was scarcely a teaching or principle that she not only understood, but could magnify and expound upon, leaving no doubt as to her prowess of things spiritual and eternal. She embodied true discipleship of the Savior in her thoughts, in her words, and in her actions. She exuded a sweetness and a rare and charming childlike innocence, both in demeanor and temperament. She was soft-spoken and reverent. To look into her lovely dark eyes was to reveal purity of heart, a Soul without guile, and meekness of a lamb. Lila served weekly as a volunteer in the Jordan River Temple almost from the time of its dedication in 1979 until approximately her 78th year, spanning more than two and a half decades of dedicated and humble service. Giving of her time to the Lord to serve in this capacity was one of her greatest joys, and temple work only strengthened her faith and solidified her testimony of the Redeemer and His divine mission. Lila was first and foremost a mother and a homemaker. She adored her children and her grandchildren. She celebrated their achievements and took great pride in their accomplishments. She was always ready and willing to help in times of need, offering aid and support no matter the situation or predicament. Lila passed away peacefully after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s disease on the evening of June 14, 2019, surrounded by her loved ones and in the comfort of her home of more than 50 years. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Philip Hugo Stanley Culley of Murray, Utah, their four children; Ruth Menlove of Provo, Utah, Marjorie Pamela Vetter of Ventura, California, Philip Culley (Tina) of Murray, Utah, and Sylvia Culley Sumpter (Samuel) of Salt Lake City, Utah, as well as her brother, Raoul (Elaine) Alva of Sandy, Utah, and ten beloved grandchildren; Micah Menlove, David Menlove, Jacob Menlove, Danielle Menlove, Chantal Menlove, Jonah Sumpter, Hannah Sumpter, Maren Sumpter, Dylan Goodwin, and Elias Culley. She is preceded in death by her parents, José Refugio Alva and Cecelia Lillian Guevara, as well as siblings; Ishmael Alva (nicknamed Buddy), Refugio Alva (nicknamed Junior), Cecelia Kinross, her identical twin sister (David), and Amelia Sorenson (Dewitt). Status of sister Belén is unknown, as she was adopted as an infant. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 22 at 11am at the Little Cottonwood 6th Ward, 6410 South 725 East, Murray, Utah, with a visitation on Friday, June 21 from 6-8pm and from 10-10:45am on Saturday, June 22 at the aforementioned address. Interment: Elysian Gardens, 1075 East College Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. We would like to extend sincere thanks to Rocky Mountain Hospice for the loving and dedicated service provided while Lila was in their care. Precious Mother, Desert Rose, petals of satin in Eternal bloom, supple and resplendent in crimson blush, thy stems marred no more with cruel and angry thorns; the Garden swept of all pain and trial. Hold thy glorious head up to the Sun and revel in its warmth; stand tall and proud and fierce, knowing that thou hast conquered Winter and Spring now reigns supreme.