Hila S. Rilinger, 97, of Seneca, KS, died early Wednesday morning, March 26, 2008, at Life Care Center in Seneca.

She was born August 10, 1910, in Clear Creek Township, KS, the oldest of three children of William and Janet Clark Werner. Soon after her birth, the family moved to a farm near Pawnee City, NE, where they lived for seven years before returning to the farmstead of her father’s family in northern Nemaha County.

On January 27, 1935 she married Richard T. “Dick” Rilinger in Alma, KS. They farmed north of Baileyville their entire married life, moving to the family farm in 1942. Her husband Dick died in 1987, but Hila remained active until an automobile accident in 2001. After that she moved to the Life Care Center in Seneca.

She was a long-time member of the United Brethren Church near their home. In 1962, she joined the Bern United Methodist Church, where she remained active until her accident.

She loved family get-togethers, especially large family gatherings for dinner at her home. She enjoyed yard work and gardening, as well as embroidery and quilt-making. Ceramics was another favorite activity, and she always enjoyed visiting with friends.

Besides her husband Dick, she was preceded in death by a son, Donald R. Werner and his wife Dolores; a grandson, Richard Rilinger; and her sister, Nola Price.

She is survived by two sons, David Rilinger and his wife Sharon, of Lincoln, NE, and Dennis Rilinger and his wife Palle, of Kansas City, MO; her brother, Ivan “Bud” Werner of Pawnee City, NE; four grandchildren, Denise Rilinger, Bill Werner, Rick Werner, and Jay Rilinger; four great-grandchildren, Ben, Ryan, Nic and Lucas; and granddaughters-in-law, Carol Werner and Lisa Werner.

Funeral service will be at 2 PM Saturday, March 29, at the United Methodist Church in Bern. Family will meet with friends at the church for one hour prior to the funeral. Burial will be in the Seneca City Cemetery.

Memorials may be given for the United Methodist Church in Bern or the Life Care Center in Seneca, and sent in care of the family.