Lila M. Rhymer

SIOUX CITY -- Lila M. Rhymer, 86, of Sioux City passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2009, at Floyd House Assisted Living after a courageous battle with cancer. She celebrated her 86th birthday on Sunday, March 1, and was blessed to have her family from the Black Hills by her side to celebrate with her.

Services will be 11 a.m. Friday, March 6, 2009 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Tess Panamarow officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service Friday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be sent online to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Lila was born March 1, 1923, in Wagner, S.D., the daughter of Ernest and Betty (Bechtold) Kade.

She married Robert P. Rhymer on March 1, 1941, in Sioux City. He preceded her in death on Sept. 11, 1984. She worked alongside her husband as a bookkeeper for their family business, Rhymer Electric, and as a bookkeeper for Seff Law Firm. Later in life, she provided day-care for two families. She was a devoted wife and mother, taking care of her son, Terry, who was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes.

She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority for nine years, Plaza Bells sponsor for 20 years and the Sun Valley Ladies Club. She was an avid bowler and golfer. She loved to go dancing with her husband. She enjoyed boating and fishing trips to Minnesota.

Survivors include her sisters, Leona Stapp of Newell, S.D.; a son, Dan Rhymer of Sioux City; daughters, Kathy and her husband, Craig Theeler and Betty Willett, all of Sioux City; five grandchildren, Shawn Willett, Lisa Winfree, Shane Cray, Chris Rhymer and Phil Rhymer; four great-grandchildren, Brittnie Willett, Brylie Rose Cray, William Willett and Heather Hittle; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Rhymer; a son, Terry Rhymer; a granddaughter, Nancy Rhymer; a son-in-law, Bud Willett; a brother, Harold Kade; and her parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Hospice of Siouxland.