Lila M. (Butts) Riley

Mrs. Lila M. (Butts) Riley, age 85, of New Hartford, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 11, 2008 at the St. Luke’s Home where she currently resided. Born in Norwich, NY on February 6, 1922, Lila was the daughter of the late Fred and Myrtle (Soules) Butts. As a young child, she moved from Norwich to Cortland where she was raised and educated. On June 8, 1940 in Cortland she was united in marriage with John J. Riley with whom she shared a loving union of 63 years until his passing on Christmas Day, 2003. Lila was employed in the dining department at Cornell University for over 7 years. She retired in 1983 after more than 10 years of service at the Dryden High School in Dryden, NY. Shortly after their retirement, Lila and John relocated to Utica where she has since resided. Strong-willed, determined, and independent, Lila sacrificed a gratuitous lifestyle choosing to live in moderation to better her family. She was always helpful in offering advice to friends and loved ones. She enjoyed cooking, watching the Lawrence Welk Show, and reading, especially books by Danielle Steele. A former parishioner of the Church of the Blessed Sacrament and St. Margaret’s in Homer, NY, she was currently a communicant of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Lila is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Kay and Dominick Tramacera of Utica, and Carol and Steven Reese of Cortland; her grandchildren, Anthony and Renee Tramacera of New York Mills, Michael and Sandra Tramacera of Ontario, NY, Mary E. Tramacera and Josh Austin of New Hartford, Timothy and Kyna Malchak of McGraw, NY, and Jodie and Michael DeLage of Homer, NY; and her great-grandchildren, Courtney Tramacera, Karilynn Tramacera, Bryan Tramacera of New York Mills, Nicholas Tramacera of Ontario, NY, Wyatt Malchak and Tyven Malchak, both of McGraw, and Michael DeLage, Riley DeLage, and Christopher DeLage, all of Homer. Survivors also include her sister and brother-in-law, Leila and Ken Shaw of McLane, NY; her nieces, especially acknowledging Faye Reimann whom she referred to as her special angel, her nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws, Margaret and Paul Fleming of Auburn, NY, and Neil Riley of Homer. She also leaves the many friends and staff members of the St. Luke’s Home who were close to her heart. She was predeceased by her nephews, Kenneth Shaw and Douglas Shaw; and her in-laws, Joseph Riley, Ruth Riley, and Mildred and Gerald Miller. The family would like to thank the entire staff and Lila’s fellow residents of the St. Luke’s Home for the care and love rendered to Lila. Gratitude is also extended to Rev. John Flanagan for his spiritual guidance throughout the years. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Lila’s funeral service will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Lila M. (Butts) Riley

February 6, 1922 - January 11, 2008