It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a truly radiant soul, Lauren "Lola" Bilby. Known affectionately as Lola by those closest to her, she preferred the name Lauren. Lauren was born on November 21, 1995, and departed from this world far too soon on February 4, 2025.

Vibrant and vivacious, Lauren lit the room with her dynamic personality. Her spirit was fierce and unwavering; her wit, razor-sharp. Always determined, she bore up under severe pressure and insurmountable odds, displaying an extraordinary strength and confidence that inspired all who knew her.

Throughout her life, Lauren was a beacon of resilience and determination. She was in the process of obtaining her GED, setting her sights on becoming a nurse anesthetist. Resourceful and independent, she purchased her own car and proudly drove herself to her dialysis appointments, displaying a tenacity that was truly inspiring.

Lauren's enduring legacy lies in the indelible mark she left on the hearts of her friends and family. She was a gutsy advocate for justice, standing up for those who could not speak for themselves. Her love for the environment was profound and, before her death, she expressed a desire for her body to help nourish a tree, symbolizing her deep connection with nature.

She leaves behind her beloved parents, Larry and Barbara, her brothers and sisters: Kelly, Tom, Nathan, Pat, Erica, Jordan and Madison,  nephews and nieces, Aaron and Ariana, Hope , Noah, Noah, aunts and uncles: Christina and Nasser, Brenda and Jason, Marilyn, Jennifer, Walt, and Kathy, cousins : Hunter, Chelsey, Brian, Christian, Kirstie, Eli, Michael and Corey, Christopher and Tracy, Joel, Matthew and Emily, Stephanie, and their families,  and closest friends Amanda, Willie, Dasha, Berg, Mike, Z, Jayy, Warren, Christy, and Big, and countless other very close friends  all of whom will miss her deeply, as will all who were fortunate enough to have known her.

In lieu of flowers, a fund has been established to cover Lauren's funeral expenses. Donations can be made at the following webpage: https://everloved.com/life-of….

Lauren will be remembered as a spirited, indomitable force who brought light, love, and strength to all lives she touched. Rest in peace, dear Lauren. Your light continues to shine in our hearts.

Message about Lauren : 

Sweet little Lauren passed yesterday. This seems like such a crude way to disclose it to everyone. Don’t hear from in awhile and then, wham! Here it is. She was such a bright light. Only 28. I was undergoing the process to give my kidney and could not. Hunter stepped up and was nearly finished undergoing the work up. Many thanks to him for his willing heart. If that failed, there were others ready to stand up: Chelsey McKinnon, Michael Pickens, Rita Barker, and Nasser Mehriary. They will only work up one at a time. But the family was ready.

She was tickled. And hopeful. Excited, nervous and eager. She was reading about the nurse anesthetist and was set like a flint on becoming one, to reach others, to offer compassionate and loving care to those who were fearful and most in need of kindness and understanding, those who were in a vulnerable place, facing horrific procedures, and finding themselves in the hands (sometimes) of aloof and rather cold individuals in sterile, and frightening medical medical situations. She was a fighter, more than that, a warrior, who fought valiently. She was intense, to say the least. She was so much like the women in her family ( as far as strength goes). But she was different. She had a sharp edge, was a bit volatile. She had to be, to survive. She was also tender and kind. Helped her mom take the trash out and made bread with her mother, THE DAY SHE DIED. Told her mom to stand up to other, including her!! She was a force of nature. Like a storm in the room. But, who doesn’t love a good storm? If you don’t, if you’re afraid, step aside! Here she comes. Not a destructive storm, but a powerful one, one that you admire from inside your own little cubby. You watch it roar!!! And then nurture the earth around it. She was like that. A champion for the down trodden and oppressed. Like a storm, you could not harness her or reel her in. Just had to ride that baby out! I miss her desperately. I cannot believe she is gone. Her presence was certainly felt. Her energy was palpable. And noticeably absent. I cannot believe she is gone! It is like my heart has been ripped. Her life, cut short, has affected mine. Affected me. I miss you Lauren, like I miss the sunshine in the Winter. And like I miss the rain. Even like water when I am dehydrated. I am parched. I am undone. I miss you, little brat! And I am angry that you made it to the finish line and then disappeared. It was shocking. I had such a sense of desperation, like something was going to happen to you if I didn’t step up. I sensed it. I knew it. People were shocked that I, a 59 year old, well, really a SIXTY year old felt so compelled to offer her ratty old kidney to beautiful youthful young. Well. They started stepping up , didn’t they? What a profound effect on others. There were five people willing to put their lives on the line for you ( yes, I know others would have but could not, but you had five people who actually stepped up for you). Only one person in my life ever said, ma’am, I would die for you. And he was a Marine. I know others would die for me. But it’s different when someone actually would really really take steps and you had a profound effect on people to compel them to do that. I just hoped and wished that we could have saved you. But your heart was so weak from all that potassium. I don’t think anything could have saved you. And deeply deeply sad. I am grieving. I can hardly write this through the tears. My heart is breaking and so is everyone who knew you. Everyone was sobbing in the room yesterday. Your presence was felt. And it will be sorely missed. And I cannot say that about everyone in my life. I miss people. But I will desperately miss you.  

Today her mother told me about her last words. She said that she was very serene and peaceful where she had been fearful before she was calm and thoughtful, and she said to tell everyone that she loves them, and then she said that she loved her mother and she was grateful for all she had ever done for her.  And then she said I love you, I’m going…. In a very peaceful tone. I don’t know if she was looking up into heaven. She was very peaceful and very calm and very gentle.   She left the world truly at peace when I saw her at the hospital, though they had not activated her yet still, she had a very peaceful look on her face. She is finally at rest.  Love you, Lauren.   

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