Lila Williams

   During the early morning hours of June 23, 1919, in the Sandhills north of Dunning, Nebraska, Lila Ruth Brolyer was born to Oliver Goldsmith Brolyer and Bertha May Shackelford Brolyer.    Later, that same summer, Lila, her parents and older siblings, Edwin and Margaret moved from her birthplace, the frame home of former Nebraska governor Samuel R. McKelvie, to a newly constructed sod house on the families’ homestead.  It was at this location that a fourth child, Charles, would complete the family.    Life in the Sandhills was often difficult.  In her youth, Lila and her sister herded turkeys in order to supplement the families’ income. She, also, persevered through the Great Depression and World War II rationing.  These times in her life influenced her decision to live a frugal life style.    Her formal education commenced in the District 30 “soddie” school house and would later graduate from the Cottonwood High School.    After moving from the Sandhills to Merna, Nebraska, Lila began attending a small Baptist church.  It was there that she understood her sinfulness and the need of receiving Jesus Christ as her personal Savior.  Because of this relationship, she had a heart for reaching and sharing the Good News with others.    April 7, 1946, Lila and Halbert Virgil Willaims were united in marriage.  They lived in Merna, Nebraska, until 1950 when they purchased a farm on the East Table.  They farmed together until his death on September 13, 1979.    Lila cared deeply for her nieces and nephews, their spouses, children and grandchildren.  Their phone calls, visits and letters helped her feel loved especially in her later years.    Children were special.  She cared for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, neighbors’ children and served in her church’s nursery and children’s programs.    Her great grandchildren brought great joy into her life and “made getting old easier”.  She attended their activities, thrived on their kindness and visits, and was pleased with their lawn mowing and baking skills.     She was predeceased by her husband, parents, a half-brother, Cecil, brothers, Edwin (Veva) and Charles, sister, Margaret (Vernon Honeywell and Leonard Barnes), nephew John C. Newman and niece Rosalind Williams.    Lila departed her earthly life on January 26, 2018.   She leaves her survivors the legacy of a well-worn Bible:  Son, Halbert Alon Williams, daughters, Susan Arlene Williams and Sharon Lea Williams Safranek.   Grandchildren, Troy Safranek, Brent Safranek and Sarah Ramos. Very special-in-laws, Marian Williams, Roger Safranek and Leslie Safranek.   Great-grandchildren, Kade, Hadlee and Cruze Safranek.  A sister-in-law, Dora Brolyer and extended family members.    Memorials may be given to the Broken Bow Berean Bible Church which will distribute the funds to the missionaries she supported until the time of her death. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday January 31, 2018 at 2:00 PM at the Berean Bible Church in Broken Bow.  A visitation will be held on Tuesday 12:00 noon until 7 PM at the Berean Bible Church with the family greeting friends 5 pm to 7 pm at the church.