Obituary
Lila Kolker passed onto the Lord on the 22 of March 2025. She passed in her home in the company of friends and loved ones at the age of 68 years old from uterine cancer.
Lila Rae Betts was born to Warren and Elaine Betts at Greene County Hospital located in Jefferson Iowa in 1956.
Lila graduated Le Mars High School, class of 1974 and went on to receive a Legal Secretary certification from the American Institute of Business in Des Moines IA. In 1977, she married Dean Melvin Kolker, a fellow alumnus of Le Mars High School and Army Sargent. She spent the next 26 years of her life as an army wife, the mother of her children and a fierce advocate for military spouse support through the Army Family Team Building (AFTB) organization. During Operation Desert Storm, she was an active leader in the AFTB organization where she fostered support for deployed troops, provided education for spouses, and fellowship for families. Her efforts were formally recognized by the department of the Army when she was awarded the Outstanding Civilian Service award and the Commanders award.
Following Dean’s military retirement and being stationed at military installations across 12 states, they moved to Rolla Missouri and finally built her forever home. She started a 23-year career as a Finance and Accounting Specialist for the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering department at Missouri S&T. Her hobbies included, traveling to all 50 states, collecting lighthouses, cross stitch, and being the best grandma. She also dedicated time to the Boy and Girl Scout programs. Her commitment to the future of America was extraordinary, helping to establish both a pack and troop at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Her contributions positively impacted many youths' lives, as she tirelessly assisted with training, character development, and countless Eagle projects. Lila received the organization leadership’s highest honor, the silver beaver, and the highest rank in the scouting’s national honor society (Order of the Arrow).
In 2023, Lila was diagnosed uterine cancer. With a fierce fighting spirit and the support of family and friends, she fought on for an additional 18 months, using the time left to live life, take vacations, see loved ones, and make peace.
Lila was proceeded in death by her parents, Warren and Elaine Betts.
Lila is survived by her husband, Retired Command Sargent Major Dean Kolker, her children, Jennifer and Enrique Garcia of Orlando FL, Jessica and Daniel Pelc of Rolla MO, Justin and Martha Kolker of Hartford CT, and two grandsons Trevor and Caleb Pelc. She is also survived by her siblings, Linda Buckingham, Don Betts, RieVon Betts, Darla Otto, Rita Tyson and Loa Osborne.