Lila E. MacMillan Ward

Lila Eleanor Maxwell MacMillan Ward, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, in Bandera, Texas, at the age of 87.

Born on April 26, 1939, in Columbus, Georgia, Lila was the daughter of George B. Maxwell and Cordelia Knight Maxwell. She spent her early years in Georgia and Florida before embarking on a life filled with family, service, and community involvement.

As a military wife and mother of five, Lila devoted herself to raising her family and creating a home wherever life took them. Alongside the father of her children, Jim, she navigated the many moves and adventures that came with military life.

Lila was known for her strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Throughout her life she held a variety of professional roles and even owned her own business, always embracing new challenges and opportunities. However, her greatest passion was serving her community through local politics and civic engagement.

For many years, Lila dedicated countless hours to Republican women's organizations at both the county and state levels. She believed deeply in participating in the democratic process and worked tirelessly on behalf of the causes and candidates she supported. Whether volunteering, organizing, attending meetings, or serving as a county election judge, she took great pride in being actively involved and helping shape the community she loved.

Lila was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Laura; her brother, Karle; eight half-siblings; her first husband Jim MacMillan and her second husband, George Ward.

Lila is survived by her five children: James (Nancy), John (JoAnne), Jennifer (George), Joseph (Sheri), and Jill (Tony); her grandchildren Jimmy (Sarah), Christine, Tyler (Lindan), Megan, Cassidy, Joshua (Audree), Jeremy (Laurel), Jennifer, Jessica, Alyssa (Matthew), and Isabella; her 13 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Lila leaves behind a legacy of service and will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

A graveside service for the family honoring Lila's life will be held at Pipe Creek Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Bandera Funeral Chapel.