Lila Marie Carroll

Lila Marie (Carpenter) Carroll, 96, Of Independence, Kansas passed on to heaven on Sunday February 15, 2026 at Eagle Estates Assisted Living.

Lila was born June 23, 1929 one of 8 children to Orville Ray Carpenter and Bessie Florence (Webber) Carpenter. Lila was a proud descendant of Elisha Beckworth Carpenter, one of the original settlers of Independence.

She attended Independence schools and was in the drum & bugle corp, and graduated from Independence High School in 1947.

She worked as a candy counter clerk at Kress’s Department store and later was a telephone operator for Southwestern Bell Telephone for 11 years.

She married Carl James Carroll on June 25, 1950 and was married 64 years.

Lila enjoyed taking care of her family and serving at First Baptist Church Independence where she had been a member since 1961. She sang in the choir and served on the Deaconess board. She enjoyed sharing the good news of Jesus with whoever she met and was a diligent prayer warrior.

After Carl retired she attended Kansas Rural Water Association events with him, and spending time traveling the country in their Airstream travel trailer enjoying time with family and friends.

Lila survives by children: Susan (Gene) Barnett Reeds Springs, MO, James/Jim (Twila) Carroll Independence, KS. 6 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Carl, sister Ruth Alene Corn, brothers Clayton Elmer Carpenter, Gerald Leland Carpenter, Claud Leon Carpenter, Alva Ray Carpenter, James Kyle Carpenter, Donald Eugene Carpenter.

Come & go visitation is from 5-7 pm on Friday February 20, 2026 at Webb & Rodrick Funeral Home Independence, Kansas. Funeral services will be 10 am Saturday February 21, 2026 at First Baptist Church Independence, Kansas with graveside services following.

Memorials are suggested to First Baptist Church Independence, and Gideons International.

Services have been entrusted to the care of Webb & Rodrick Chapel Crematory.