Lanila Joy Christensen Kimball

LaNila passed away peacefully at home, 15 minutes into her 79th birthday, lying next to her sweetheart of 60 years on January 18, 2016.  She was born January 18, 1937 in Fillmore, Utah to George and Caddie Christensen. She fought a brave battle with Alzheimer’s disease for the last 7 years. In spite of that battle and other health challenges, her gracious and loving soul shone through to others until the very end.
LaNila graduated from Millard High School where she was actively involved as a cheerleader for 3 years, class officer, theatre and band. She was the FFA Sweetheart Queen and was also the Harvest Queen. Her interests included working at the phone company, playing the clarinet and sewing; she was a talented seamstress. Utah State University offered her a full scholastic scholarship. She was an excellent student.
On June 23, 1955 she was married to the love of her life, LeGrand Kimball in the Manti LDS Temple. She was known for her compassion and service, always remembering special occasions and making others feel special. She had a love for gathering her family in the most beautiful way for holidays with effortless, delicious, home-cooked meals. She enjoyed watching the Utah Jazz, gardening, reading and traveling to her vacation home in Mexico, along with her sister and best friend, MarJene. She earned the “Outstanding Woman of America” award in 1966. LaNila spent a lifetime in the service of family, friends and others.
LaNila had a strong testimony and was a faithful member of the LDS church, serving in many capacities, including Relief Society President and Young Women’s President. She and LeGrand later served an LDS 18-month mission in the Church Archives Department.
The greatest joys in her life were her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She was the perfect example of Christ-like love.  She never spoke poorly of others and in fact was always looking for the good in people.  We will miss her deeply. LaNila is survived by her husband, LeGrand; 6 children, Scott Kimball (Wendy), Lori Brown, Jill Marsala, Russ Kimball (Paula), Kris Kimball (Barbara), Andrea McBride (Darl), 23 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and siblings: MarJene Bennett and Larry Christensen.
The angel in our life has now joined the angels in heaven. God be with you till we meet again.
Friends and family may visit prior to the funeral on Saturday at the Stake Center, 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM or Friday evening, January 22, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Mountain View Memorial Mortuary, 3115 East 7800 South. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 23rd 12:00 PM at the Willow Creek Stake Center, 2350 East Creek Road in Sandy, Utah. Condolences can be made at www.memorialutah.com.
Service Information
Viewing January 22, 2016 at 6:00 - 8:00 PM
3115 East 7800 South, Cottonwood Heights, Utah





Viewing January 23, 2016 at 10:30 - 11:30 AM
2350 East Creek Road, Sandy, Utah





Memorial Service
January 23, 2016 at 12:00 PM
2350 East Creek Road, Sandy, Utah