Lila Kathryn Kinkade

Lila Kathryn Kinkade peacefully entered heaven on November 21, 2024 surrounded by loving family after a courageous battle against leukemia. 

Born July 15, 2010 in Canton, Lila was the cherished daughter of Kenneth K. “Ken” and Camille A. (Shook) Kinkade, Jr.

From the moment she was born, Lila brought joy into their lives and the lives of many others. Lila was known for her kind, vibrant, contagious personality, and radiant smile that made her beloved by all that knew her. Growing up, Lila danced for years at Tuscarawas Dance Arts Center. Those foot skills transitioned into a passion for sports that led her competitive spirit on the basketball court, on the soccer field, and in track events. She had a profound love for her coaches, mentors, and teammates that helped to build her athletic skills, and used some of their amazing influence to overcome some of the hard days during her cancer journey. As a dedicated and bright student, school was very important to Lila where she had a natural drive to excel. She always reached honor roll requirements and was a member of the National Junior Honor Society, where she served as secretary. Lila participated in yearbook, volunteered occasionally at various events, and had previously participated in student council. 

As a typical teenager, Lila loved her friends. She had some friendships as old as she was, and some as new as within the last months of her life - she loved everyone. Hanging out, having fun, shopping, dancing, listening to music, eating good food, and laughing, most of all- just laughing is what Lila loved to do. She also loved her dog Maizy, a great companion to her, especially during home visits through her cancer journey. 

Lila loved nature, the beach, and animals. This developed from a variety of outdoor adventures growing up, such as swinging from tree branches into the creek, catching creatures, and exploring the woods with her little sisters and neighborhood friends. Lila had a love for horses. She treasured memories of riding lessons and dreamed of returning to horse riding someday. 

Her faith was nurtured at NewPointe Community Church growing up. Having these roots helped to keep her eyes steadily fixed Above to carry her though the last several months of fighting to live. And although her last months were filled with tremendously difficult moments, Lila’s courageous spirit, unwavering faith, and love for her family and friends shone brightly throughout.

She will be forever cherished and loved by her parents, Ken & Camille; her sisters, Stella and Cecilia; her aunts and uncles, Lydia (Hunter) Hostetler and Cheyanne Shook; her grandparents, Ben & Jody “Bling” Shook; her cousin, Damion Kinkade; and many others including a great-grandfather, Norm; a grandfather, Ken; and multiple great-aunts, great-uncles, aunt Chelsea, uncles, Andrew and Tim, cousins, other family members, and friends so close they are considered family.

Lila was welcomed into heaven by her grandmothers, Lorrie Knotts and Kathryn Kinkade, alongside her uncle, Jake Shook; great uncle, Randy Shook; great-aunt, Jane Harstine; cousin, Zach Saylor; as well as great-grandparents, Sam and Zelma, Honeybee, Juanita, Jim, and Bob and Doris. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A service celebrating Lila’s life and thanking God for the blessing of her will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. in NewPointe Community Church at Dover with burial to follow in Union Hill Cemetery at Sugarcreek. A luncheon at NewPointe will follow the burial for anyone who would like to attend.