Lila M. Killoran

Funeral services for Lila Killoran of Morris and Hilton Head Island, SC, will be held Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at Federated Church in Morris, with Reverend Matthew Orendorff officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Burial will be Sunday, May 18, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN.

Lila Mae Killoran, age 80, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025 in Savannah, Georgia. She was born to Albert and Gladys Johnson, the fourth of seven children, on June 15, 1944 in Goodridge, Minnesota. She was born and raised on a farm with her six siblings. In high school she was a cheerleader, in plays, on many committees, and was homecoming queen.

On July 6, 1963 she married John Richard Sanders and moved to Long Beach, California, before moving back two years later to be near family. Together they raised three children in Bloomington, Minnesota. Her husband fought leukemia for seven years and died in 1983 after nineteen years of marriage. Lila continued her job at Donaldson Company as a cost technician. She continued singing in her church choir, raising her children, and attending Normandale College. A devoted mother and homemaker, she created a warm and welcoming home where her door was always open to family and friends passing through the Minneapolis area. Lila's life was grounded in love—for her faith, family, and friends. She was a dedicated member of her church and played on the church softball team. Known for her kindness and generous spirit, she brought people together through simple joys and traditions. She loved winter camping, snowmobiling, boating, and cheering for the Minnesota Vikings. Holidays were especially meaningful to her.

In 1991 she met Captain Joel D.“Skip” Killoran, SC, USN, at a country club dance. Over two years later he proposed. Although she loved her Donaldson job and told friends even if she won the lottery she would never quit, she quit and moved to Scottsdale, AZ. Skip stayed in Minnesota running his real estate business. A year after being engaged she returned to Minnesota and they were married on January 14, 1995 in a church ceremony with reception at the Lafayette Country Club in the middle of Lake Minnetonka. Their five children were attendants. They returned to Scottsdale with a life filled with walking, dancing, attending plays, opera, keynote performers, baseball and basketball games. Together she and her husband toured 25 European countries.

After twenty years they moved to Hilton Head Island, SC. She sang in a wonderful new choir, attended bible studies, walked the golf course and beach, and attended musical and other events. She spent considerable time cooking and baking, always looking for new recipes. She became more political. She actively assisted with completely remodeling their first Hilton Head home and loved looking out the windows at the flower garden and golfers on the golf course behind their second home. Each summer they returned to Morris, and enjoyed many activities, especially their membership with the Glenwood Lakeside Ballroom Dance Club.

Lila's faith journey began at a young age. She was baptized and confirmed Lutheran, attended Sunday school, was in Luther League, and taught Sunday School for years. She sang in many choirs, served on church committees, and was in many bible study groups. Her purpose was to be a reflection of her faith to others. Cause God joy, Jesus first, others second, yourself last.

Lila was a wonderful host, a loyal friend, and a loving mother and grandmother whose legacy will live on in the memories of all who knew her. Her husband says she was the most considerate, kind, loving, unselfish person he has ever known.

Lila is survived by her husband Joel; children, Todd (Cheri, Josh, and Nate Albin) Sanders, Bradley Sanders, and April (Todd) Bailey; step-son, David (Amanda) Killoran; grandchildren, Zach Sanders, Ellie & Eliza Sanders, Olivia, Brianna, Colin & Isaac Bailey; stepson-in-law, Michael Buettner, Melissa (Adam) DesAutels, Christopher & Matthew Buettner, and Cameron Killoran; sisters, Ruth Sanders, Lois Philipp and Marlys (Mick) Hudson; brother, Gary (Norma) Johnson; and many nieces and nephews and extended family who will miss her deeply.

Lila was preceded in death by her husband, John Richard Sanders; parents, Albert and Gladys; step-daughter, Lizabeth Buettner; grandson, Tieler Sanders; granddaughters, Shelbie and Jessie Sanders; sister, Myrtle Sunsdahl and brother, Glenn Johnson.

Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris, MN is in care of the arrangements for Lila.