Lela Mae Warden

Lela Mae Warden, 89, passed away on July 28, 2026, in Hilliard, Ohio, just a few months shy of celebrating her 90th birthday. She was born on October 24, 1936, in Jefferson, Ohio, to the late Cyrus Edward Paul.

Lela was perhaps best known to those who loved her as “Grandma Snacks”—a title she earned honestly. Whether she was showing up to a game, competition, family gathering, or even interrupting cheer practice on a hot summer day, she rarely arrived empty-handed. She came prepared with snacks for everyone and never knew a stranger when it came to passing them out.

More than anything, Lela showed up. She was there for the exciting milestones and the seemingly ordinary moments alike. She was one of her family’s biggest fans and was always proud to tell anyone willing to listen about her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She could always be counted on for a good laugh—whether the humor was intentional or not was sometimes up for debate—and she kept her family laughing and on their toes throughout the years.

Lela was preceded in death by her son, William “Bill” Warden Jr.; her father, Cyrus Edward Paul; and her aunt, Mary Smith.

She is survived by her sons, Robert Warden, Joseph Warden, and James Warden; her sister, Wanda Graham; and her grandchildren, Heidi North, Jessica Rinehart (Travis), Jillian George (Alex), Ryan Warden, and William Warden III and his children.

She also leaves behind her beloved great-grandchildren, Devin and Sammy; Alexis, Bryleigh, and Huxley; Kinsley, Cannon, Hadley, and Palmer; and Harper.

Lela is also survived by her niece, Miranda Munro (Marcus), and their children, as well as extended family and many others who were fortunate enough to know her.

Lela’s family will remember her not simply for the snacks she always carried, but for the way she was always there. She celebrated whatever her family decided to pursue, cheered loudly and proudly, and made sure the people she loved knew she was in their corner. She was immensely proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and never missed an opportunity to share their accomplishments with anyone who would listen.

Her legacy lives on in the generations she loved so fiercely, in countless stories that will continue to make her family laugh, and undoubtedly in the family tradition of never showing up anywhere without enough snacks to feed everyone in sight.

Services will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 3393 Broadway, Grove City, Ohio.

Family Viewing: 9:30–10:30 AM

Public Viewing/Visitation: 10:30 AM–12:30 PM

Funeral Service: 12:30 PM

A graveside service will follow at approximately 2:00 PM at Green Lawn Cemetery, 1000 Greenlawn Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223.