Lila Darlene Knie (nee Sanford), age 93 passed away Sunday, December 19, 2021 at Polo Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
She was born January 12, 1928 in Eagle Point Township to Ina Sanford and graduated from Polo Community High School in 1946.
As an only child, Lila and her mother were very close. Ina instilled a love of the arts that held strong in Lila throughout her life.
Lila married Larry Knie on September 20, 1947, in Polo upon his return from World War II.
Both Larry and Lila were members of the Ranch Hands, a popular country western band that won a state-wide contest, representing WSDR Radio Company out of Sterling, IL.
Lila was a housewife and continued her love of the arts, playing the accordion and fiddle, and yodeling. She began teaching lessons prior to moving to Kentucky in 1968.
While in Kentucky, her and Larry loved to camp, play their instruments for friends and campmates, and spend time with their pets. Over the years, Lila and Larry would travel to Texas or Illinois, visiting friends and family in their motorhome. Dogs, cats, accordions, fiddles, and laughs in tow, they would spend the summer weeks traveling and sharing their time and talents with loved ones.
Following a house fire that destroyed their home in the early 2000s, the couple returned to Polo to be near family.
She’ll be remembered for her quick wit, love of dominoes and card games, and her amazing fiddling paired with expert yodeling (if you heard it, you’d never forget it).
She is survived by her sister-in-law, Eileen Knie, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her mother, husband, brother-in-law, Charles Knie and sister-in-law, Lorraine Meyer.
Graveside services will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com.
