LILLIE MARIE (HAYWOOD) RUMMELL
Lillie Marie (Haywood) Rummell was born to Paul D. Haywood and Helen C. Haywood on June 23, 1940. She passed away peacefully in her home on March 1, at the age of 83.
Lillie dedicated her life to attending to the needs of her family. She had an innate talent for turning the simplest moments into cherished memories.
She spent countless hours with her family hunting for the local radio station’s KHSL bug, riding bikes to the park for weekend picnics, swimming, motorcycling and go-kart riding, water skiing, and swimming in the family pool.
While her three children were growing up, Lillie’s house was more than just a dwelling; it was a second home for many.
It was common to find Lillie’s home filled with the laughter and joy of neighborhood children. Her open heart and ability to listen made others feel heard, understood, and most importantly, valued.
Even after those children grew into adults, they continued to find solace and refuge in Lillie’s home whenever they returned to town.
While raising her children, Lillie concurrently engaged in part-time work from the comfort of her home, transcribing master’s theses for graduate students from the local university. Her journey into this endeavor began with the typing of her husband Ray’s doctoral dissertation and later the master’s thesis for her daughter Shelly.
In a heartfelt display of gratitude for Lillie’s unwavering support during her husband’s doctoral pursuit, which involved relocating the family from California to Arizona and back to California, Ray bought her a Ford mustang in a distinctive salmon color. The mustang was well known in Chico, CA for its unique color and became a symbol of Lillie’s unwavering commitment to her family. She named the car “Sammy” and proudly emphasized verbally and nonverbally through her license plate frame, declaring, “It’s NOT pink, it’s salmon!”
After her children were raised, she worked for Wheels and Deals and later Time Warner as a merchandiser.
Once she became a grandmother, Lillie became known as "Nanny," a name that transcended family ties. Devoting numerous hours to the care and affection of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she arranged memorable birthday celebrations, Easter egg hunts, and festive holiday gatherings abundant with food. Delighting in their sporting events, school performances, and various school activities, Lillie found immense joy in participating in the cherished moments of her extended family.
Her legacy is a testament to the expansive family she created through her acts of kindness and generosity.
Lillie’s genuine caring nature left an indelible mark on the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her. She is survived by her children Shelly Presnell (Mick), Raymond P. Rummell and Lori Sullivan; grandchildren Kala Sullivan (Jeremy), Matthew Sullivan (Malene), Christopher Wise-Presnell (Samantha), Patrick Presnell (Haley); and great grandchildren Lillie and Mya McClintock, Irene and Dimitri Presnell, and Lila Wise-Presnell. Lillie will be deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family, and the countless lives she touched throughout her rich and meaningful life. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her memory continue to inspire the kindness and love she so effortlessly bestowed upon the world. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, March 16, starting at 11:00 at the family home, 2 Cottage Circle, Chico.