Lila Hansen Obituary

Lila J. Hansen

April 6, 1946 - July 24, 2025

Lila J. Hansen, age 79, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, in Council Bluffs, IA, after a 2 and a half year battle with cancer, surrounded by her two sons and her loving husband of 60 years.

Born on April 6, 1946, Lila was the daughter of Margaret and Leonard Butterbaugh. She was the fourth of six kids. She graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1964 where she was a high school cheerleader.

Lila met the love of her life, Chuck Hansen, in high school, and they were married on December 5, 1964. They had two sons, Craig and Chad, and Lila poured her heart into raising them. She was a devoted mother who was so proud of her boys and their families (especially her five grandchildren). Lila spent her career in education, working in the early childhood education department for the Council Bluffs School District for over 35 years. She influenced the lives of so many children and treated them like they were her own.

Lila was known for her unending kindness, selflessness, humor, her gift giving and tight Christmas wrapping, her love of diamonds, gold, the slot machines, a good margarita and her love for her family. Lila never missed her sons' activities and was their biggest fan at their many sporting events. She was an avid bowler, made a mean spaghetti and was proud of her work in early childhood education. In addition to all of our special memories, she will be remembered for her boundless energy that would light up the room when you would hear her voice, her joy, electric smile, and sense of humor which were all present throughout her life. Lila never met a stranger she didn't like, and she made everyone she talked to feel so special.

All of the qualities she displayed as a mother were further showcased in her role as a grandmother. Her grandchildren could always count on her candy in her purse and special, individualized gifts; she never missed a birthday or holiday without being there or sending a (glitter-filled) card or package.

Lila was preceded in death by her parents; and her sister, Karen Williams. Lila is survived by her husband of 60 years, Chuck; and their two sons and five grandchildren: Craig (wife, Jennifer) Hansen, Dane and Drew; and Chad (wife, Kate) Hansen, Abby, Jane and Nate. Lila is also survived by her sisters, Orpha Butterbaugh and Diana Mether (husband, Larry); brothers, Leonard Butterbaugh (wife, Melanie) and John Butterbaugh (wife, Karla); and her many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Cutler-O'Neill Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the many doctors and staff at Chapters (f/k/a Risen Son) Nursing Facility, Methodist Health System and Hillcrest Hospice Care for their tremendous hard work and compassionate care. Finally, we would also like to thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers for our beloved Lila. She will be greatly missed but we will be comforted by the fact that we know each day we shared with her was truly a gift to all of us. Lila will forever be in our thoughts and our hearts.