Lila M. Gilbert, 71, of Williston, North Dakota passed away at her home on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 of natural causes.

Lila Mae Gilbert was born in Wibaux, Montana on May 25, 1938, the daughter of Florence and Anton Kasalek. Lila was raised and educated in Wibaux, Montana 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, Montana on June 4, 1961. The couple resided in several North Dakota towns as well as Priest River, Idaho before settling in Williston, North Dakota 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 of Fort Bragg, NC; daughter, Bethany (David) Czepukaitis of Dover, DE; son, Dan (Shawn) McKenzie-Polk of Odessa, TX; son, Paul Gilbert of Williston, ND; 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.