Lila Jane (Yocom) Hager, age 88, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully Sunday, December 11, 2022, at Oak Tree Villa Nursing Center.
She was born on May 10, 1934 in Oakland, California, the daughter of Willie Theodore and Anna May (Judd) Yocom. She was married on November 1, 1959 in Jefferson City to her high school sweetheart, Waldo Elder Hager who passed away February 7, 2010.
Lila’s parents were originally from the Springfield area and had moved to California for work prior to Lila’s birth. She lived in California until the age of thirteen, when her parents decided to move back to Missouri following World War II. Lila met her husband while attending Eugene high School and later graduated in 1952.
Lila was a key-punch operator for the Missouri Department of Revenue for a short period then moved to the Department of Health where she worked for 21 years. She then accepted a position with Employment Security and was employed as a research analyst for 15 years. Along with working for the state, Lila, alongside her husband, was the co-owner of Precision Machine Incorporated, which was started in 1971 and is currently owned and operated by their son, Brian Hager.
Lila was a former member of the Western Hills Assembly of God, where she enjoyed volunteering, helping decorate for holidays and other events, making floral arrangements, and assisting in various capacities with their Vacation Bible School. Currently, Lila was virtually participating in the World-Wide Church out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Being artistically gifted, Lila found joy in creating beautiful canvas paintings. She also enjoyed puzzles and playing cards with her dear friends at Primrose Retirement Community. A strong woman of faith, Lila also had the honor of going on the trip of a lifetime to explore the holy lands of Israel and Jerusalem. Lila cherished the times she spent with her family. Lila was direct and decisive, always sure to do all things to the best of her ability. She cared deeply for her family and was passionate about instilling her steadfast faith in those she loved.
Lila is survived by: her daughter, Laurie Ann Lister (husband, Larry) of Russellville, Mo.; son, Brian Hager (wife, Leann) of Jefferson City, Mo.; sister, Sally Belt of Jefferson City, Mo.; six grandchildren, Jessica Nicholson (husband, Chad), Joshua Lister (wife, Amanda), Jennifer White (husband, Derek), Garrett Hager (wife, McKenzie), Tyler Hager (fiancée, Lauryn Garnica), and Laney Hager; eight great-grandchildren, Jayden White, Landen White, Trisden White, Baylee Nicholson, Branden White, Abigail Nicholson, Julie Ann Nicholson, and Kennedy Lister; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Waldo; two sisters, Doris Feldman and Betty Jett; and one infant brother.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Freeman Mortuary.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, December 15, 2022 in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend James McHaffie officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Riverview Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the
American Cancer Society or to Central Missouri Hospice, in care of her family, to P.O. Box 95 Jefferson City, Mo. 65101.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
www.freemanmortuary.com