Lila Lempiainen Grider went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 92 years of age. Lila was born on September 3, 1930 to first-generation immigrants from Finland,  August and Matilda (Bera) Lempiainen, in the Finnish enclave of Menahga, Minnesota. Lila attended university in South Carolina for one year before marrying James (Jim) Gilbert Grider. Upon Jim’s graduation from university, Lila and Jim embarked on a 60-year marriage, reciting their vows on August 25, 1950. Jim was called to the pastorate, and Lila served as a pastor’s wife in five communities: Detroit, MI; Sandusky, MI; Traverse City, MI; Flint, MI; and Moline, MI. While in Traverse City, Lila served as executive secretary to George Wilson, director and vice president of the National Music Camp at Interlochen Arts Academy. Beginning in 1975, Lila and Jim became resident managers of a 16-bed group home for women with developmental disabilities in Grand Rapids. They served together in that capacity until their retirement in 1995. Lila and Jim were devoted Christians and enthusiastic in their roles in ministry, service, and as parents, and grandparents. Lila and Jim raised three sons: Max (1951); Jon (1954); and Timothy (1965). Lila was preceded in death by her husband, James Grider; father and mother, August and Matilda Lempiainen; brothers, George and Melvin Lempiainen; sisters, Ellen Mahan, Melva Strom, and Darlene Ballard; parents-in-law Albert and Grace Grider; brother-in-law Cecil Grider; brother-and-sister-in-law Max and Wanda James; nephew, Stephen Ballard and niece, Rebekah Ballard. Lila is survived by sons, Max (and Yvonne) Grider, Jon (and Sarah) Grider, Tim (and Darcy Bourdo-) Grider. She is also survived by grandchildren, Melissa (and Ryan) Buchalski, April Grider, Nathaniel Grider, Rachel Trickey, Emily (and Eric) Dush, Gage Grider, Joelle (and Ryan) Beering, and Marinne Grider; great-grandchildren, Charlie and Jade Wilkinson, Zander Grider, Chloe Wilkinson, Stella and Corbin Trickey, Ella Buchalski, Cameron Grider, Phoenix Buchalski, Harper Grider, Dylan Buchalski, and Gideon Handy. and as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023, from 2 – 3 pm at Stroo Funeral Home, 1095 68th St. SE, Grand Rapids, where the funeral service will follow at 3 pm, officiated by Pastor Rich McCarrell. Private interment will take place in Blain Cemetery. Donations in Lila's honor may be made to Byron Center Bible Church Missions Fund.