LilaRhue Renwick

LilaRhue (“Lila”) Renwick, 103 years old, passed away May 8, 2026 at Radford Green at Sedgebrook, Lincolnshire, IL.  She was born on August 29, 1922 in Harvey, IL to the late Gilbert and Irene (Jeneary) Bowden.  Like many of her “Greatest Generation,” she did her part during World War II, working in a defense plant and dancing with lots of “two left footed” soldiers at USO events. On January 22, 1949 in Kankakee, IL, Lila and Walter R. Renwick were united in marriage.  Walter’s employment soon led them to South Bend, Indiana, where they lived most of their married life. Walter preceded her in death on March 7, 2011 after 62 years of marriage. She moved to the Chicago area in 2012 to be closer to her children after Walter’s passing. 

Lila’s natural curiosity led to numerous diverse interests. She was an avid reader, a talented oil painter, a lover of animals, and a baker of legendary desserts, including her extraordinary pistachio cake.  Not wanting to be left out of the technology revolution, she taught herself how to use a computer while in her 80’s.  To those who knew her, she was a gentle voice of unconditional love and wise counsel, anchored in her deep faith in Jesus Christ which was central to her being.  It was also her faith that carried her through the numerous health challenges she faced in her life.  On a lighter note, the family often joked that Lila violated all dietary laws, especially by her love of red meat and desserts of all types, but it didn’t seem to hold her back!

Lila is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Jackie Renwick of Lake Forest, IL; two granddaughters, Heather (Jocelyn) Renwick and Brittany (Michael) Ryswyk; and five great grandchildren, Beau, Margaux, Millie, Louise, and Finn.  Along with her parents and husband, LilaRhue was preceded in death by her brother, Roland Bowden and her sister, Dorothea Stansbury. In addition, Lila’s life was enriched by the love and care extended to her over the years by her niece, Ruthann Klaiss, and great grand niece, Jessica McClure.

A private graveside service will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026 at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend, IN.  Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend is assisting the family.  In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of LilaRhue Renwick may be donated to the Lutheran Hour Ministries (lhm.org). Online condolences may be offered to the Renwick family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

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