Darby – Lila Jane Greenup Daw was born December 7, 1916, in a small cabin out of Darby, to Ernest and Pansy Greenup. She died January 27, 2015 just a few miles away, insisting she never saw the reason to leave such a wonderful valley. She attended Darby schools and married Elgin Daw on February 10, 1934. They had two children, Darrell (deceased) and Delia Abbie.
Lila deeply enjoyed life and living. In her younger years she tackled anything if it presented a challenge. She was a very accomplished seamstress, usually designing her own garments or projects. People still remark on her cinnamon rolls, whipped cream cakes and other creations. Her talents are legendary: upholstery, carpentry, writing, poetry, hunting, gardening and if anything stood still long enough it wound up being canned or dried. For years she cloned roses, trees, shrubs, and her little greenhouses kept the whole valley bright and beautiful as she shared anything she grew.
She was an avid hunter and everyone recognized “Old Thumper,” her beloved cab over jeep. Many people were pulled out of ditches, mountains or other inconvenient spots by her faithful rig that she swore could climb a telephone pole. One of her favorite sayings was, “I left things a lot better than I found them. I made a home out of a barn, scooping oompah as I went.” She had a deep love for her home, her valley, her friends and did anything she could to help along the way. She was a very caring person but with strong convictions and many can attest to her statement, “I always call a spade a spade.”
Preceding her in death are husband, Elgin, son Darrell, brothers, Ernest Greenup Jr., Kenny Greenup, Marvin “Clem” Greenup, Merl Rouse, sisters Marie Shook and Erma Greenup.
Survivors are daughter Delia Abbie (Jerry) of Billings and Darby, grandchildren Hall (Jo) Abbie of Plano, TX, Deni Muhlbeier and her children Dane and Kinzie of Mansfield, TX, Mark (Karen) Daw of Darby plus many beloved nieces and nephews.
No services are planned and in lieu of donations we suggest you contact your own friends and family with perhaps an opportunity to remember Lila’s contributions through the years. Perhaps we can have an informal gathering next summer to share memories of this amazing lady.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.