Lillis Lorene Kingman

Lillis Lorene Kingman passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on August 10, 2024 in her home in Berrien Springs at the age of 86. Born on March 24, 1938, in Centralia, Washington, Lillis's life focused on caring for family and serving others. Her many years of teaching piano students and sharing her gift of music left a lasting touch on those around her.

Lillis was the youngest of 6 children, the cherished daughter of William and Margaret Swanson, who both preceded her in death, along with her beloved siblings Harold Swanson, Donald Swanson, Esther Smith, Arleta Canfield, and Roger Swanson. Lillis had fond memories of growing up on the family farm where she recalls hearing her father sing on the way to his work in the barn. Her daily chores included washing milk bottles and bringing in the cows.

Lillis attended Auburn Adventist Academy where she met the love of her life, Robert Kingman. She continued her education at Walla Walla College along with Robert and they were married on June 21, 1959. Graduating in 1960, she went on to receive a Masters of Music Education from the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona.

Lillis was the proud mother of four children, Roy Kingman (Dawn), Lorena Bidwell (Dan), Sharla Erich (Kevin), and Larry Kingman (Heather). She had 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, many of whom personally benefited from her patient lessons on the piano.

Always a devoted wife to Robert, Lillis supported him through his academic studies to obtain his PhD in Physics, and through every other aspect of his professional and personal life over the past 65 years.

Throughout her life, Lillis shared her love for music as a piano teacher. Her gentle guidance and patient instruction left an indelible mark on countless students. She was not only their teacher but also their mentor and friend.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Lillis had a love for photography, capturing the world's beauty through her lens, often finding the extraordinary in the mundane. However, her love for her family and her God, remained her truest passion. It was the thread that wove through every aspect of her life, a constant melody that brought joy to her and those around her.

Lillis was the epitome of kindness, always putting others before herself. Her generosity knew no bounds, and her home was often the location for home cooked dinners for groups of students, visitors at church and of course large family gatherings. Anyone who needed it could be certain to have a listening ear with acceptance and confidentiality. If someone was ill or in need of encouragement she would bring food or an orchid. Her loving nature was the cornerstone of her existence, and it is this quality that will be remembered most by those who had the privilege of knowing her.

As we bid farewell to Lillis Lorene Kingman, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and are looking forward to reuniting with her through all eternity. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and generosity that will continue to inspire generations to come.

A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday August 18, 2024, at the Stevensville Seventh-day Adventist church at 2:00 PM. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the favorite charity of your choice. Condolences may be left online at www.allredfuneralhome.com.