Beloved Burla Hoffman Lilley, 107, of Independence, MO died peacefully September 11, 2020. She is remembered for her zest for life, enterprising mind, fashionable taste, and fierce love for her family, and passed on incredible work ethic to generations of family.
Burla was born June 2, 1913 in Macks Creek, MO. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Drury and Sophie Williams; sisters, Alta Phillips, M. Berthina “Bertie” McCasson, Bonnie Williams, E. Lorene Heath, Pauline Williams Kay; brothers, Roy Williams, Leonard Dean Williams, Bobbie Williams; husband, Leroy Ross; children, Bonnie Spencer, Kenneth Ross; son-in-law, Ted Spencer; daughter-in-law, Margaret Ross; grandson, Dennis Michael Ross; husband, Leo Hoffman; husband, Jim Lilley.
She is survived by her son Charles Nickerson and his wife Pam of Independence, MO; grandchildren, Debbie Smith of Fordland, MO, Brenda Evans and her husband Joe of Lathrop, MO, Marsha Dotson of Lathrop, MO, Sandy Hart and her husband Roger of Lathrop, MO, Melissa Meyer of Independence, MO, Michael Nickerson and his wife Lilliana of Oxnard, CA; step-grandchild, Laura Warren of Louisburg, MO; plentiful great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Burla was an early female entrepreneur. She opened and managed restaurants across the Kansas City metropolitan area, investing in one of the region’s first soft serve ice cream machines at T’s Drive-In in Lee’s Summit. She lived surrounded by friends, family, music, dancing, and laughter.
B., Burla, Mom, Grandma, Aunt, Neno, GoMo — we love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.
Celebration of Life pending.
