Lila Smith
Obituary

It is with deep love and sorrow that we announce the passing of Lila Lee Smith, who passed away on June 10, 2026, in Pasadena, California, after suffering a massive stroke. 

Born October 10, 1961 in Sacramento, California.

Lila's life began with a remarkable story. Born to High School Sweethearts Barbara May Kirk (McDowell) and Stephen Keller. At 15 Barbara became pregnant and was placed in an unwed mothers' home by her parents.  Although adoption had originally been planned, Barbara's family changed their minds after Lila was born. As Barbara was the only daughter among seven children, her grandfather chose the name "Lila" after a dear family friend. Lila's family was of English, Irish, Indian and Scottish descent.

The McDowell family later moved to Los Angeles, where the children were raised in Venice Beach, CA. Barbara eventually had two more children, raising them on her own for several years as a single mother, then married truck driver Gary Wayne Kirk at the age of 23. Soon after the family relocated back to Gary's hometown of Cle Elum, Washington. There she gave birth to a son. 

Lila attended Cle Elum High School, where she excelled in athletics. An exceptional sprinter, she held the school's 100-yard dash and 220-yard dash records for more than 40 years. After graduating in 1980, she earned a full scholarship in track and field and completed her education before returning to Southern California to begin a teaching job in Chino.

It was there that she met Steven Bryan Smith who would become the love of her life. They married in 1985 and built a beautiful life together. In 1986, they welcomed their son, Steven "Blake" Smith. 2 years after Lila gave birth to daughter Morgan Wayne Smith (middle name Wayne was to honor her stepfather Gary). 

Steven's family owned property in Altadena, where they operated youth facilities through the Department of Children and Family Social Services for more than 30 years. During that time, they welcomed a 14 year-old boy Jose Torres into their home, who would become a beloved son and cherished member of the family.

Lila's greatest passion was always her family. She loved being a mother and grandmother, planning family trips, orchestrating holidays, and finding creative ways to bring everyone together. She was a true DIY expert who enjoyed tackling projects and making every occasion special.

Over the years, Lila also discovered a hidden talent for writing, creating, and managing. She developed a sitcom  “Nosy Nora”. Inspired by her daughter Morgan, their family, and the life lessons they shared.

Those who knew Lila will remember her as the heart of her family. She had a loud sense of humor, was kind, dependable, and a true social butterfly. She was the family matriarch, a problem solver, the life of every gathering, and someone who could always listen as well as she could talk. Her warmth and strength made everyone around her feel welcome and supported.

Lila is survived by her siblings, husband Steven, her children, Jose, Blake, and Morgan and Grandkids Josiah, Fiya and Vybe. 

She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Kirk;  father, Stephen Keller and step father Gary Kirk; Grandparents Edgar and Penny McDowell, In-laws, Doris  and Alfred Smith. 

Her family hopes she will be remembered not only for the life she lived, but for the way she made people feel.

She made people feel welcomed, heard, loved, and made them believe everything was going to be okay.

In a world where everyone is busy, Lila always made time, this was her SUPERPOWER.

She will truly be missed and always remembered for her heart and generosity. Simply “The Life of the Party”

She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know and love her.

A memorial service to Celebrate Lila’s Life will be held on July 18, 2026.