Lillian “Lily” Mary Delaplane, age 87, of Simi Valley, California, passed away in her sleep of natural causes on Saturday, November 5, 2022, and is now home in the glorious presence of our God. Lily was born on December 18, 1934, in Managua, Nicaragua, to Charles and Christina Needles. She traveled with her family to the United States, on an ocean freighter when she was five years old and was a resident of California since then. What defined Lily was her keeping the pursuit of God first and foremost in her life. This was evident in the time she regularly dedicated to the reading the Word and to prayer. Her zeal for Adonai and the study of scripture were inspirational and resulted in her making 19 trips to Israel. She was an accomplished artist who excelled at oil paintings. She was also dedicated to practicing and promoting healthy eating long before “health food” was popular. Her love for God, art, and health has been passed on to her loved ones.

She is survived by her sons Mark Delaplane and his wife Gloria of Woodland Hills, California, Steve Delaplane and his wife Donna of Simi Valley, California, Clint Delaplane and his wife Rocio of West Palm Beach, Florida, and David Delaplane and his wife Peggy of Simi Valley, California; sixteen grandchildren, Christopher, Jennifer, Ashley, Katie, Amy, Henry, John, Diego, Pedro, Pablo, Ana Maria, Andrew, Amanda, Ryan, Jonathan, and Emmalie.;  eight great-grandchildren, Logan, Madison, Trevor, Alyssa, Josh,  Ally, Sophia, and Lily; One grandchild Matthew who departed early; And two brothers, Charles Needels, Marvin Needels and Aaron Needel’s. Lily was known for her “Aaronic blessings” over her family when they were leaving her house or even upon finishing a phone call. These words from Numbers 6:24-26 will remain in her family’s hearts as she now enjoys them herself. The words she spoke so often are, “Adonai bless you and keep you; Adonai make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; Adonai lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”   Shalom!