Lila Jean Bolen

Lila Jean Bolen, age 72, of Dover, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Hennis Care Centre in Dover after a long battle with cancer.

Born in Johnstown, Ohio on February 3, 1953, Lila was the daughter of the late Robert and Charlene Eder Householder. Following her graduation from Northridge High School, Lila went on to graduate from Mount Union College with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education, with the french horn being her instrument of expertise. She was also an accomplished piano player.

Lila had a long and fulfilling career that spanned across the Midwest. She began her teaching career in Bullet County, Kentucky, before going on to serve at Carroll County, Illinois, Frederickstown Local Schools and Johnstown-Monroe Local Schools in Ohio, and New Philadelphia City Schools. She retired from Dover City Schools after over 20 years of service to the district. Throughout her career, Lila served the music department in many ways, including high school and junior high bands and choirs, junior and elementary general music instruction, and as a piano accompanist for choir concerts and for students at music contests. Throughout her 43 year career, Lila was part of many teaching organizations including NEA, KEA, IFT, and OEA. She also served as the president of Carrollton's Local IFT. After retiring, she continued to educate by substituting at Canton and Tuscarawas County Schools, as well as teaching evening music classes at Kent State University’s Tuscarawas Campus.

On June 18, 1976, Lila married Joseph Bolen in Louisville, Kentucky, celebrating nearly fifty years of marriage. The couple have one son, Daniel Bolen, of Barberton.

In addition to her husband and son, Lila is survived by her brother, Roger (Rhonda) Householder and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her brother, Lee Edward Householder.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, or to Ohio’s Hospice Truman House, 716 Commercial Avenue SW New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663. They would also like to express their gratitude for the care shown to Lila in her final weeks.

“You know you have loved someone when you have glimpsed in them that which is too beautiful to die.” Gabriel Marcel, The Mystery of Being.

Cremation has been entrusted to the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover. There are no calling hours or services. To sign an online guestbook please visit the funeral homes website.