Lilles M. Zobel, 94, passed away peacefully at home with her five children at her side on February 7, 2023 in Scottsdale, Arizona. She was born to Lester and Lillian Jager in Joliet, Illinois in 1928. Lilles led an exciting active life, always surrounded by her family. With her husband, her parents, aunts, sisters, children, grandchildren, and cousins, her life was inspired, living happily one gathering and celebration to the next throughout her journey. Lilles was a model, dance instructor, and business owner. She loved music and dancing was a passion her entire life. Her sense of humor and love of life was infectious. Her grace and beauty both inside and out were breathtaking.
In 1949, in Joliet, Lilles married George Zobel, a former Marine six years her senior. They were blessed to share just shy of 60 years together. They happily raised six children, Deborah E. Craig (John) of New Lenox, Illinois; Thomas L. Zobel (Cindy) of Joliet, Illinois; Timothy S. Zobel (Laura) of Apache Junction, Arizona; William E. Zobel of Phoenix, Arizona; Guy S. Zobel (Tami) of Phoenix, Arizona; and Michelle K. Zobel of Scottsdale, Arizona.
Lilles was proceeded in death by her husband George, her newborn son Georgie, her son William, her sister Doris, and her parents Lillian and Lester.
Lilles lived for, cherished and loved her six children and eighteen grandchildren: John, Carrie, Samantha, Kristen, Tim Jr., Tom Jr., Sarah, Amy, Gabriel, Chelsea, Mickey, Lily, Grace, Guy Jr., Mary, Jaclyn, Danielle, and Georgia, along with twenty-one great grandchildren.
The funeral mass will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, 5025 E Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018 at 10:45 am. Service to follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona; 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85024 at 2:30 pm.
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
I miss you so much Mom. I am lost without you. My heart aches but I am so truly happy you are no longer struggling to breathe. You can hear your favorite music and dance and remember all things that are beautiful now. I miss your face the smell of your hair watching game shows and the sound of your voice. I know we will be together again. I’m just so scared of what’s next. You have been my person for so long. Anything I did good or right was because of you, anything smart or courageous was because of you. Any strength I was given came from your strength. God truly blessed me with you. I was truly honored to be your daughter and share my life with you for almost 60 years. See you in heaven. Thank you Mom for loving my girls and being so much fun always. I could never have made it without your love and support. You always lifted me up. ❤️
I am so sorry for your loss, Debbie, Tim, Tom, Michelle, and Guy. Lilles was an amazing lady who exuded kindness and a wicked sense of humor. She was very special to us. Sending all my love. – – Ashley and the Carlsons
My deepest sympathy to the Zobel family. You were so blessed to have her for the many years you did. May she RIP
Debbie, Tim, Tom, Guy & Michelle,
I am thinking of you all and sending so much love your way! I always remembered how excited I was as a kid to go on vacations to AZ to visit Uncle George & Aunt Lilles! Good times, laughs & tons of fun were a given! Aunt Lilles was beautiful on the inside & out! When I was old enough to travel on my own, my first choice of destinations was always AZ. From bringing my friends to visit & eventually bringing my girls, your parents ALWAYS welcomed me & my guests. I will truly miss her! I hope you all find comfort in the many many memories of good times you shared with your amazing mother! Rest in Heaven Aunt Lilles!
Love you Mom. Service was beautiful and you were placed with dad. I love Arizona as much as you! Home in Illinois and will visit when I return. Miss you very much. You were so much fun and I will never forget all the party’s on Oneida, vacations and all the good times. You were beautiful inside and out. Love and kisses mom till I see you in heaven.
Hi Mom – Today and each day is so incredibly difficult and different without you. I am so happy you are in heaven truly on your journey with God not here suffering or worrying or troubled or sad in anyway. Life is always going to be missing and lacking without you. Heaven gained so very much . Thank you Mom for so many lessons and messages and memories I continue to learn, remember and treasure.