Obituaries

Aileen (Hensley) Lilienthal, 96, of Brandon, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026. Born in Oneida, Kentucky, on January 6, 1930, she spent her final years in the sunny state of Florida.

Aileen married Alfred J. Lilienthal in 1948. Their union lasted for 73 years until Alfred passed away in 2022. A woman of immense drive, deep faith, creativity, and a generous heart, Aileen lived a life defined by continuous learning, service to others, and an unwavering commitment to her family and ministry. Aileen’s entrepreneurial spirit shone brightly early in life. She successfully owned and operated her own hair salon business for many years as a professional hairdresser. After her children were born, Aileen chose to pivot her talents toward higher education. Demonstrating her incredible work ethic, she went back to school and transitioned into a career as a teacher. Her passion for learning led her to earn a bachelor's degree in Education, and a master's degree in Education. Later in life, she successfully combined her education and business acumen to become a licensed real estate agent and broker, once again stepping into the role of entrepreneur by establishing her own real estate business.

Aileen’s faith and family took her across the globe. As the wife of a professor and minister for the Church of the Nazarene, she served faithfully on the mission field overseas. While abroad, she used her skills to teach English as a second language at the European Nazarene Bible College. Throughout her life in ministry, she supported the church in countless ways. She was known for her boundless hospitality, opening her home to visiting pastors, missionaries, students, and any in need of a welcoming place. Her love for children also led her to open her heart and home as a foster parent. Beyond her professional and ministry life, Aileen was a deeply creative soul. She filled her spare time with artistic & creative endeavors. She enjoyed singing in the church choir, knitting, needlepoint, sewing, painting and other creative endeavors.

Aileen is preceded in death by her husband, Alfred J. Lilienthal, Sr., her parents, Charlie & Mary Hensley, her sisters, Geraldine Preston (her twin) & Joyce Tolliver, several beloved brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and other cherished family members, including her great-grandchild, Castle Lin Lilienthal.

She is survived by her children: Alfred (Linda) Lilienthal, Jr., Kathi (William) Stewart, Jeffrey (Ronda) Lilienthal, Heidi Lilienthal; Grandchildren: Sara (Lilienthal) Roth, Sean Lilienthal, Michael Stewart, Stephen Stewart, Kerri Stewart, Daniel Stewart, Annie (Lilienthal) Mason, Casey (Lilienthal) Fenner, Kimberly Lilienthal, Laura Lilienthal, Luke Nagel; her great-grandchildren: Giovanni Tiano, Kylie Tiano, Tommy Lilienthal, Felicity Lilienthal, Evan Lilienthal, Tyler Crain, Morgan Crain, Chandler Reaves, Beckett Lilienthal, Samuel Stewart, Harry Stewart, Mia Stewart, Austin Stewart, Emma Stewart, Elli Spurgeon, Ophelia Spurgeon, Lincoln Stewart, Owen Stewart, Emmeline Stewart, Dorothy Mason, Katherine Mason; her great-great-grandchildren: Theo LaMore, Ellie Lilienthal; her sister, Norma Lloyd; her Brother-in-law, Cecil Preston; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

A visitation will be held on Saturday October 3, 2026, from 12 PM until 1:00 PM at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 45 N. Main St. Walton, KY 41094. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM with Pastor Dale Wine officiating. Aileen will be laid to rest at New Bethel Cemetery in Verona, KY. Following the committal service, everyone is invited to join the family at New Bethel Baptist Church where a meal will be served and continued fellowship. The address of the church is 2022 Verona Mudlick Rd. Verona, KY 41092.