Lillian McConnell, 97, passed away at 2:08 a.m. Thursday, March 19, 2015, in Presence Sacred Heart Home, Avilla.

Lillian was born in Pierceton, on April 3, 1917, to Elmer Defoe and Cloe Pearl (Stayer) Cress. On June 21, 1936, she became the wife of Richard McConnell.

Living most of her life in Warsaw, Lillian was a homemaker as well as a cook and an aid for Alfran Nursing Home in Pierceton and Warsaw. She also worked for Heckaman Bindery in North Manchester. Lillian was a member of Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. She was a good cook and enjoyed gardening and helping with chores on the farm – including her love for mowing the yard.

She is survived by four daughters: Shirley (George) Polinuk, Laotto; Janet Galbraith, Bella Vista, Ark.; Rosemary (Gerald) Parker, Columbia City; Cindy Slater, Warsaw; nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and a brother: Raymond ‘Bud’ Cress, Tucson, Ariz.

In addition to her parents, Lillian’s death was preceded by her husband: Richard (Jan. 9, 1992) and seven brothers and sisters.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, March 23, at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 E. Sheridan St., Warsaw. A service set aside for the celebration of Lillian’s life will follow beginning at 12 p.m. Pastor Brian Koorey of Warsaw Community Church will officiate. Burial will take place in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Warsaw.

The family has asked that gifts in memory of Lillian be directed to Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, 2943 E. 400 S, Warsaw, IN 46580 or The Salvation Army, 501 E. Arthur St., Warsaw, IN 46580.

The staff of Titus Funeral Home considers it a privilege and an honor to care for the family and friends of Lillian McConnell.