Lola Eugenua Cape Carlile

Lola Eugenua Cape Carlile was born on August 9, 1928, on 13th Street in Ballinger, Texas, to father Chester Grandison Cape and mother Eugenua "Jean" Cunningham. She passed away at 96 years old on June 24, 2025, in Willis, Texas. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Lola lived a life rooted in faith, quiet strength, and deep connection to those she loved.

Lola spent her life in several Texas towns that shaped her story, including Ballinger, Midand, Wink, Lubbock, Belton, and Waxahachie. Lola attended school in Ballinger and graduated from Ballinger High School in 1946. She was a member of the Glee Club and Girls Choir. She married John Carlile on August 31, 1947, in Ballinger and began a lifetime of memories. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Leland Carlile (Oct. 20, 1925-Oct. 23, 2001), whom she loved with all her heart. Together, they built a life centered around family while raising four boys and welcoming each new generation with love and pride.

Lola was a devoted homemaker who poured her time and energy into the people she loved most. She was active in her local Baptist church and found joy in reading, baking, playing piano, and spending time with her family. A proud Texas Tech Red Raider fan, she never missed a chance to show her guns up. Her grandchildren remember her for her creativity, warmth, and eagerness to be together while baking, working on projects, or simply visiting. Lola always had a book in hand and another waiting nearby, and she never turned down a board game or a deck of cards. Favorites included Hearts, Spoons, Rummikub, Wahoo, and the always-rowdy Killer. She and Pa Pa (as the grandchildren affectionately called John) shared a playful spirit, often sending the kids outside “to feed the troll,” a tradition that usually ended in laughter… and just enough fear to make it unforgettable.

Lola is survived by two of her four children: Barry Layne Carlile and his wife Barbara, and John "Lee" Carlile and his wife Cindy. From Barry’s family came three granddaughters: Jessica Klima and her husband Luke, parents of Julia and Sebastian; Emily Carlile and her husband Vance Flores, parents of Carter, Mason, and Reagan; and Hillary Kennon and her husband Greg, parents of Emma and Olivia. From Lee’s family came three grandchildren: John Carlile and his wife Rachel, parents of Melanie and Sarah; Ann Marie Carlile; and Thomas Carlile. Lola is also survived by her many nieces, nephews, and friends who will never forget her.

Lola is also lovingly remembered by the families of her sons, Mark Linn Carlile and Larry Wayne Carlile, who preceded her in death. From Mark’s family, she is survived by his wife, Yvonne, and their sons, Winston and Maxwell. From Larry’s family, she is survived by his wife, Linda, their son Larry Wayne Carlile II, and daughter Amanda, mother of Laci.

The family will receive friends for a visitation on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 10:00 am followed by the funeral service at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church in Ballinger, Texas (400 N 8th Street, 76821), with Michael Corbin officiating. Interment will follow at Concho Cemetery.

She will be remembered for her unwavering love, her steady presence, back "scritches" when she "hugged your neck", and the way she ended every visit with words her family will never forget: “Love you, little one.”