Lilah M. Gillett

Lilah Gillett, resident of Overland Park since 1972, was born and raised in Michigan prior to locating here with her husband James, and family.  Lilah enjoyed being homemaker and taking care of her family.  She was blessed with deep abiding faith in the Lord and was an active member of Knox Presbyterian Church.

Lilah was a well know teacher, performer, recording artist, author, and publisher of several instruction books for the Hammered Dulcimer.  She was co-founder and first president of the Prairie Dulcimer Club, organized in 1977.  Lilah was awarded the title of Master Folk Artist by both the state of Kansas and the state of Missouri for her significant contribution to folk culture.  She also enjoyed being a member of the NLAPW, a national organization of professional musicians, artists, and authors, where she had served as president and music chairman of the KC branch.

Memories of her love, enthusiasm for life, ready smile, and words of encouragement will always be with us.

“The tide recedes, but leaves behind bright seashells on the sand.

The sun goes down, but the gentle warmth still lingers on the land.

The music stops and yet it echoes on in sweet refrains.

For every joy that passes, something beautiful remains.”