Lila Mae Wilhite, née Kaltenbach, passed away on October 1, 2026, at Evelyn’s House in Creve Coeur, Missouri, at the age of 97. She was born on September 12, 1929, in Saint Louis, Missouri, and will be remembered with deep love by the family whose lives she cherished so completely.

Devoted wife of the late Carl D. Wilhite; loving daughter of the late Maude Kraushaar and the late Karl Kaltenbach. She was also preceded in death by her son, Carl D. “Corky” Wilhite Jr.; her stepfather, Werner Kraushaar; and her sister, Henrietta “Hankie” (the late Chris) Papadinoff.

Her family was the heart of her life. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Pamela (Raymond) Dowling, William (Eileen) Wilhite, Cynthia (the late Larry) Crews, and Joseph (Karen) Wilhite.

She is also remembered with love by her grandchildren: Matthew (Lisa), Mark, Meaghan (Chris), Paul (Angie), Danny (Emily), Beth (Ryan), Brian, Christine (David), Andy (Jennifer), Mary (Charles), Jonathan, Tom (Marley), Nicholas (Mariah), and Lauren.

She was the dear great-grandmother of 23 and great-great-grandmother of 7.

She is also survived by her brother, Karl “Buzzy” (the late Juanita) Kaltenbach, whom she always referred to as her “superman,” and by her brothers-in-law, Gary (Sue) Wilhite and Greg (Terry) Wilhite.

The love Lila gave so freely will continue to live on through her family and through the many holiday gatherings, visits, and shared memories that meant so much to her.

Lila was a woman of strong faith whose life was centered on family, devotion, and the simple joys that brought people together. She retired from Wetterau Food as a keypunch operator, and in the years that followed, she continued to fill her days with the things she enjoyed most.

She played bingo and Yahtzee, watched golf and St. Louis Cardinals baseball games on television, as well as Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. She enjoyed watching church services on Sunday mornings.

She especially loved when her family visited. Those visits meant the world to her, and she would become very excited whenever family came to see her.

A private graveside service will be held on October 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Friedens Cemetery, 8941 N. Broadway, St. Louis, Missouri 63137.

Immediately following, there will be a celebration of life in honor of Lila at Sports Café, 3579 Pennridge Drive, Bridgeton, Missouri 63044, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Lila Mae Wilhite will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and faithful woman whose happiest moments were spent celebrating those she loved. Her family was her greatest joy, and her memory will remain a blessing to all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Evelyn’s House, 1000 N. Mason Road, Creve Coeur, Missouri 63141, or to a charity of your choice.