Lila Joy Menz

Lila Joy Menz, 90, of Perry, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, January 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at the Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home, Perry Chapel, located at 1721 Park Street, Perry, Iowa, 50220. Visitation will be one hour prior, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Interment will follow in the Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry. Online condolences can be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com. 

Lila was born on March 18, 1934, on her family’s farm south of Dawson, the daughter of Joseph Jr. and Gladys (Morain) Daugherty. Following the Great Depression, her family relocated to a farm northwest of Perry. Lila remained a true farm girl at heart. She attended the one-room Alton country school and proudly graduated from Perry High School in 1951. After attending classes at AIB in Des Moines, she returned to her roots, marrying Edward Menz on March 16, 1952. Together, they spent most of their lives on the family farm. Lila enjoyed being part of the Garden Club, Women’s Club, and Elks Club.

Lila primarily embraced her role as a stay-at-home mom, relishing her time outdoors, tending to her flowers, and caring for her pets. Her greatest joy was organizing gatherings for family and friends. A talented artist, she expressed herself through oil paintings, ceramics, and doll-making. In her later years, she spent winters in Arizona, where she made many cherished friends. Above all, Lila approached every endeavor with creativity and warmth, always ensuring that everyone felt welcomed, included, and special.

Lila is survived by her sons, David Menz and Steve (Annette) Menz; her grandchildren, Jason (Shelly) Barck, Trisha Carr, Toby (Becky) Barck, Andy (Sarah) Menz, Ben (Cassie) Menz, Aaron Menz, Josh (Breck) Menz, and Tyler (Kristine) Menz; and her great-grandchildren, Jasmyn Barck, Korbin Barck, Callen Barck, Brooklyn Barck, Trenton Carr, Lily Menz, Elysse Menz, Edison Menz, Izaak Menz, Hank Menz, Jake Menz, Nic Menz, Ellie Menz, Owen Menz, and Hayley Menz. She is also survived by her brother, Raymond (Robbie) Daugherty; sister-in-law, Rose Menz; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Gladys Daugherty; her husband, Ed Menz; her daughter, Kathleen Menz; daughter-in-law, Karen Menz; her sister, Alberta Gross; brother-in-law, Marvin Menz; and sister-in-law, Nora Menz Easter.

Thank you to all of you who have been a part of her life. A special thanks goes to Every Step Hospice and Home Instead, who caregivers were so special to all of us.