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WILLMARTH -- NILA LOUISE died peacefully on March 15, 2012 in the company of her children. She was born Nila Louise Lesley in Memphis, Tennessee on August 25, 1916. She grew up in Memphis and after graduating from high school Nila attended Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. There she met her future husband Philip R. Willmarth and received a Degree in Fine Arts specializing in fashon design. Nila and Phil were married Jan. 28, 1939. During the war years while he was serving in the army they lived in Puerto Rico, Indiana, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Illinois and Missouri. In 1948 they moved to Albuquerque where they raised a family of six children. In the early 1960's Nila began to design houses in collaboration with local architects. After Phil's death she wet on to design and build several homes, specializing in adobe construction. Nila was also an accomplished watercolorist and a member of the New Mexico Watercolor Society. She especially loved to paint outdoors with her friends and her watercolors have been displayed in shows throughout the southwest. Nila was preceded in death by her husband Philip R. Willmarth in 1972 and her eldest son James L. Willmarth in 2011. She is survived by her daughters Lynne Wolfe, Ann Dressler, Laura Hebenstreit, Susan Willmarth and also her son Michael Willmarth; and grandson Todd Hebenstreit. She was an exceptional mother, especially devoted to her children. She will be remembered for her spirited sense of humor, creativity, generosity and her appreciation of beauty in all forms. Special thanks to Ron and Rose Fernandez, Judy Romero, Lou Sedillo, Mike Beauregard, Vistacare Center at Lovelace, Steve Barrilleaux, and her many supportive friends. Nila's final resting place will be next to her husband at the Santa Fe National Cemetery. A private memorial will be held the second weekend of May. Instead of flowers the family suggests donations to the Peregrine Fund, 5668 West Flying Hawk Lane Boise, ID 83709.
        Published on: Wed March 21, 2012