Lila Mae (Kasalek) Gilbert, 71, Williston, passed away at her home on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, of natural causes.

Her funeral services are at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2009, at New Hope Wesleyan Church, Williston. The Rev. Tom Karp is officiating. Interment is at the Riverview Cemetery. Friends may share memories and condolences with the family at www.fulkersons.com.

Lila Mae Gilbert was born in Wibaux, Mont., on May 25, 1938, the daughter of Florence and Anton Kasalek. Lila was raised and educated in Wibaux where she became homecoming queen her senior year.

After working as a bank teller for two years, she entered and graduated from Dickinson State Teachers College in 1951. She was united in marriage to Everett Gilbert in Wibaux on June 4, 1961.

The couple resided in several North Dakota towns, as well as Priest River, Idaho, before settling in Williston in 1980. Lila was a teacher, hostess manager, child care provider and a loving mother and homemaker. She was a dedicated mom to her four children.

She was an accomplished seamstress and an excellent cook.

Her hobbies were hiking, camping and canning. She was a witty, determined and loving mother and wife.

Lila is survived by her husband, Everett; her son, Jay (Teresa) Gilbert, Fort Bragg, N.C.; daughter, Bethany (David) Czepukaitis, Dover, Del.; son, Dan (Shawn) McKenzie-Polk, Odessa, Texas; son, Paul Gilbert, Williston; five grandchildren, Keyton and Kelsey McKenzie-Polk, Zachary, Kimberly and Olivia Czepukaitis; step-grandson, Thomas Ferguson II; her mother, Florence and her sister, Beatrice.

She was preceded in death by her father, Anton; sister, Lorraine and brothers, Gary and Richard.

Friends may call at the Fulkerson Funeral Home on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 3-5 p.m. and on Wednesday one hour prior to services at the church.