CONNIE LEE LILLA
Connie Lee Lilla, age 77, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD. Connie Lee Fanebust was born on February 13, 1947 to Donald and Dorothy (Rasmusson) Fanebust in Sioux Falls, SD. She grew up in Sioux Falls graduating from Washington High School in 1965. After high school she attended Southeast Votech. On May 27, 1968 Connie married James Lilla in Sioux Falls. Connie worked in the banking industry for her entire career first with Citibank and then with a private consulting firm.
Connie liked to stay busy. She had a love for her garden, especially her flowers, spending hours weeding and watering in the summer months. While in her garden, she loved watching the birds and listening to their beautiful songs. Connie hosted many Sunday dinners at her home, serving up anything and everything to friends and family, famous for her goulash and deviled eggs. She enjoyed sewing, reading, studying local and state history, and mapping family trees through genealogy. Connie was a member of the Minnehaha County Historical Society and many would be surprised to know she also enjoyed pheasant hunting and shooting trap near Hecla, South Dakota. She loved spending time at their cabin on Clear Lake any chance she could.
Connie saw the good in everything and in everybody. She had amazing relationships with her nieces and nephews and was willing to help out whenever asked. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Grateful for having shared her life are her husband of 55 years,JamesLillaofHarrisburg, SD; siblings, Wayne Fanebust of Sioux Falls, SD, Elleen (Terry) Riedl of Houghton, SD, Twyla (Gene) Dinger of Hecla, SD, and Dave (Tracie Bakke) Fanebust of Sioux Falls, SD; mother-in-law, Ethel Lilla of Oakes, ND; brothersin- law, Terry (Joan) Lilla of Hecla, SD, Tom (Teresa) Lilla of Hecla, and Andy (Toby) Lilla of Hecla, SD; sisters-inlaw, Sandy (Verl) Dinger of Hecla, SD and Susan (Dale) Rosendahl of Hecla, SD; her four-legged companions, Lucy and Teddy; and many dear relatives and friends.
Connie was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Donna Leeman; brother, Mike Fanebust; brother-in-law, Donald Lilla; and father-inlaw, Ed Lilla.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Ava’s House or The Humane Society of Sioux Falls, SD.
George Boom Funeral Home, Sioux Falls, SD ~ www.georgeboom.com