Lila Elaine (Chilcote) DeLong

Lila Elaine DeLong, 95, of  Houghton Lake passed away on Tuesday August 26, 2025 at home with her loving family by her side.

Lila was born on December 2, 1929 in Flint, Michigan to Samuel and Alta (Colcord) Chilcote.   She grew up in the Reed City area where she graduated from Reed City High School.  On September 23, 1950 in Newaygo, Lila was married to James Virgil  DeLong. The couple moved from Newaygo to Houghton Lake in 1952. Lila worked until 1975 and retired to spend more time with her family. She enjoyed being involved in Little League Baseball with her family and enjoyed going to play bingo. Lila and Virgil were both avid softball players in the Houghton Lake Leagues. Both were talented pitchers who pitched many no hitters but both hit a home run when they married. Lila's special love was to spend time with her children and grandchildren.

Surviving Mrs. DeLong are her three daughters, Sandra Marshall of Fife Lake, Debra Morley of Houghton Lake, and Carla DeLong of Higgins Lake; son, Jerry (Diana) DeLong of TX; ten grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  Lila was preceded in death by her parents;  husband, James Virgil DeLong; son, James Dean DeLong; grandson, Michael Lee Gibson; and four siblings. 

A Celebration of Life Service for Lila Elaine DeLong will be conducted at the Houghton Lake Senior Center, 2625 S. Townline Road on Saturday September 13, 2025 from Noon to 4:00 PM with lunch being served at 1:00 PM..  Memorial contributions in memory of Lila are asked to be directed to the Alzheimer's Association Northern Michigan Chapter, 414 E. Eighth St., Unit 201, Traverse City, MI 49686 or the Roscommon County Animal Shelter. Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com 

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