Lila Sue Shock Horrocks

On December 21, 2023, our beloved Lila Sue Shock Horrocks, a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, gently departed from this world, into the next. Born on April 28, 1947, she was the cherished daughter of Paul Frederick and Emma Elizabeth Lewis Shock, in the picturesque town of Durango, CO. Lila called Durango home as a youth. We loved the stories that she would share with us all — tales of their family cabin at Vallecito Lake, adventures with their horse Nipper, tree-climbing escapades, and the peaceful charm of a small town where doors were left unlocked. She left home after she graduated high school in 1965 to embark on her next chapters of life.  She always held a special place in her heart for Durango.

Her academic journey led her to BYU, with an interlude for her mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, in the Brazilian South Mission. This chapter of her life was deeply cherished. She gained a great love for the Brazilian people, their language, and developed life long friendships through fellow missionaries. Upon her return from her mission, she resumed, majoring in English at BYU.  It was during her first fall semester that she and Neil R. Horrocks, newly returned from his mission, began their courtship. Amid the ebb and flow of life, with missions and military service and other life events, she married the love of her life, and they pledged their devotion to one another and were sealed on March 5, 1971, in the Salt Lake Temple. Over time, their love story unfurled into a beautiful tapestry of 8 children, 36 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Bound by their marriage of 49 years, they looked forward to an eternity of love to go. 

Lila wore many hats in her lifetime — relief society president, young women’s president, primary president, missionary, and a cherished friend. Yet, the roles she held closest to her heart were those of mother and grandmother. A beacon of unwavering support, she championed her children and grandchildren in every endeavor, ensuring she was a part of their milestones — baptisms, ordinations, weddings, baby blessings, and graduations. She was an amazing mom in so many ways. She would wait up well past her bedtime to talk with her kids as they came home and check in with them. She was always the support they needed in all parts of their lives.  Her love for them shone brightly at countless sports events, her cheers echoing on the sidelines. Both her and Neil rarely missed any event if they could help it.  That love and support will always be remembered. She was a beacon of strength and perseverance, teaching us to seek goodness and righteousness by her example. Her resounding testimony will reverberate through the halls of her posterity, inspiring the generations to come.

Anyone who knows Lila, or has ever met her would describe her as a truly selfless soul. Her unwavering commitment to putting others first defined her life, as she dedicated herself to serving and generously giving all she had to help anyone in need. Whether it was a ride to an appointment, a hot meal, or a warm bed to sleep in, you would have it with Lila. Her legacy is a testament to the profound impact one compassionate heart can have on the lives of those around her.

Christmas was her favorite time of the year, with her love echoing in the twinkling decorations, the countless nativities, the Horrocks family Christmas dinner, and the thoughtful gifts that she made so personal. In her final moments, she lay with her Christmas list by her side, a testament to her love for others and that joyous season. While we mourn her absence, we take solace in the beautiful reunion she must be having with her beloved Neil, her parents, brother, and many others, and knowing she was able to spend her favorite holiday with those on the other side.  Her presence, now a tender memory, will continue to resonate within our hearts, until we meet again. 

Lila is survived by her 8 children, Kisha (Mike), Kirby (Amy), Kerry (Melissa), Kristi (Scott), Kurtis (Camille), Kendall (Alison), Kelly (Amber), Kendra (Cory), 36 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; sister Glenda May (Darrol), Helen, and LaDawn (Dale) and brothers Keith (Melody), Kenneth (Celia), Her brother-in-law’s Dwain (Barbara), Kent (Jane), and sister-in-law, Sherene. She was preceded in death by her husband, Neil, her father, Paul, her mother, Emma, her mother and father-in-law Rodney and Phoebe, her brother, Duane, her sister-in-law, Lynell, her brother-in-law, David, her brother and sister-in-law, Melvin and Esther, her brother-in-law, Doyle, her sister-in-law, Gayla.

With deep gratitude, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to family and friends for the overwhelming love and support during this difficult time. A funeral service in honor of Lila Horrocks, will take place on January 25, 2023, at 11:00 am, hosted at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints, located at 8350 South Jackson, 260 West, Midvale, UT 84047. A visitation will be held prior to the funeral service from 10:00-10:45 a.m. Following funeral services, a graveside service will be held at Utah Veterans Memorial Park (near Camp Williams), 17111 South 1700 West, Bluffdale, UT 84065. A luncheon will follow, at the church where the funeral was held. We warmly invite all who wish to celebrate her remarkable life to join us in honoring her memory.