Lila Mae Custead

Custead, Lila Mae, 89, died Mar 14, 2012, at Richland Woods Assisted Living Center. She was born in rural Florida on December 6, 1922. Her parents, Percy and Sallie (Walker) O’Steen were cattle ranchers on land which their families had settled when Spain still ruled this southernmost state. On December 7, 1940 she married the late George Custead. World War II arrived and took him to Europe, and she made her way to Los Angeles, California, to find work riveting wings on P52 aircraft at North American Aviation. Following the war the couple settled in Los Angeles and had two children, Sandra (Bainer) and Scott.  The death of her daughter just over a year ago moved her to Johnstown where she could be near her son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Carol Custead.  She is survived by one sister, four grandchildren, and one great-grandson.  For many years she was an active part of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Los Angeles.  Her sense of independence and positive attitude is best captured in the moment she arrived in Johnstown 14 months ago. As a native of Florida, and a nearly 70 year resident of Los Angeles, she looked at the ice and snow blowing around what would become her final earthly home. She smiled as said, “Well, this should be an adventure!” Friends will be received from 2:00 – 4:00 PM Saturday at Harris Funeral Home, 500 Cherry Lane, Richland, where a brief memorial service will be led by the Pastor Jeff Bassette at 4:00. The funeral and interment will take place next week in Los Angeles. She was deeply grateful to the staff of Richland Woods Assisted Living Center and everyone else who helped make her time in Johnstown a blessing.  Family suggests memorial contributions can be made to the Sequanota Camp and Conference Center, P.O. Box 245 Jennerstown, Pa. 15547 in memory of Lila Mae. (Online condolences may be posted at www.wharrisfuneralhome.com)