DENVER—Lila Pittman died on March 21, 2018 in Denver. She was 77 years old.

Lila was born on Dec. 28, 1940 in Alamosa to her parents, Lysle and Ruth Pittman. Lila graduated high school from Sangre de Cristo in Mosca, Colo. and college from Adams State College in Alamosa.

She taught second grade in Pagosa Springs for a year before teaching at C.V. Koogler Junior High in Aztec, N.M. She taught physical education and coached girls volleyball, basketball and track. While in Aztec, Lila coached a girls’ basketball team to the Amateur Athletic Union’s National Tournament. She then went to work for Public Service of New Mexico.

In 2000 she moved back to the San Luis Valley to be closer to her family. While in the Valley she taught at the Sangre de Cristo and Sargent schools as a Papa Professional. She moved to Denver in 2015 where she lived in an Independent Retirement Community until her death. She loved coaching and watching all types of sports. Her greatest pleasure was in watching her great nieces and nephews in their athletic activities and 4-H events. She could always be found playing a game of poker at the Retirement Community.

Lila was a talented artist who created many types of craftwork and silversmith jewelry.

She is survived by two brothers, Ralph Pittman (Jenny) Mike Pittman (Jennifer); nephew Lyle (Vi) Nissen; great niece Erin Nissen; great nephew Grant Nissen (Fiancée Annie); niece Debbie VanTreese-Selin (Neal); great niece Kaylie Phillips (Jake) and great nephew Codie VanTreese (Brittney).

Cremation was chosen and from Lila’s wishes, no memorial services are scheduled.