Leola Lucille (Chiles) Lanker, 59 of Lima, passed away May 21st, 2023 at Lima Memorial surrounded by her children. Leola was born August 29th, 1963 to Thomas and Sierra (Kohli) Chiles.
Leola was a 1982 graduate of Bath High School and Apollo Career Center. Leola graduated from Fredericks Beauty College in 1987 and soon after opened her business, Lee’s New Looks. After selling her business, Leola went on to work as a head cook at Bob Evans and then the Lima City Schools. She was a fantastic cook and enjoyed bringing joy to others through food and laughter. She was a member of Open Door Baptist church. Her faith was steadfast. She loved spending quality time with her children and grandchildren. She was an incredibly devoted mother who loved her children unconditionally. She is known for being genuine, driven, hardworking, kind, energetic, authentic, inspiring, uplifting, strong, faithful, and humorous. She was a fan of Mickey Mouse and loved animals. She was an avid crafter and painter.
She is survived by her four children, Meggan Hartzog of Bowling Green, Cory (Abby) Hartzog of Columbus Grove, Mikala Lanker of Lima, and Chad Lanker of Delphos; grandchildren, Holden Hartzog, Bennett Hartzog, Jericho Triplett, Charlotte Triplett, Cora Marling, and Elijah Lanker with one on the way; brother, Byron (Beth) Chiles of Lima; nephews and nieces, Matthew (Michelle) Chiles, Stevie Chiles, Zach (Morgan) Chiles, Nate Chiles, Jill Chiles, and Nick Chiles; great nieces and nephew, Lauryn Chiles, Jaydyn Garrett, Cana Chiles, and Myra Chiles, and her beloved dog, Silas.
Leola is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Sierra Chiles, brother, Dwayne Chiles, nephew Seth Chiles, and great nephew Isaac Chiles.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 2nd from 4:00-8:30 p.m. at the Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services Shawnee Chapel. Family is requesting visitors to wear a Mickey Mouse t-shirt (as they can) in honor of Leola. Celebration of Life will begin Saturday, June 3rd at 11:30 a.m. at Open Door Baptist Church with Reverend William Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Rockport Cemetery.
“Be yourself. Use your voice. Make the world a better place.” -Leola Lanker
Memorial contributions may be made to her grandchildren in care of Huntington Bank.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
