Lila Heath, 103, of Gothenburg died April 1, 2000, at Hilltop Estates.

She was born June 12, 1896, at Beaver Crossing to Chris and Florence Salnave Maurer. Her family moved to the Lexington area and later moved to a farm near Farnam. She attended the Grand Island Business School and then returned to Farnam, where she was a receptionist and bookkeeper at the Farnam Hospital. She was also a clerk at McElmoil's Drug Store for many years.

On May 15, 1941, she married Samuel Heath at Holdrege. They lived in Farnam until 1948. At that time, her husband retired from the Light & Power Plant and they moved to their farm west of Farnam. Due to her husband's health, they moved to Gothenburg in 1961. Her husband died March 25, 1962. She lived in her own home until 1991, when she moved to the Slack Nursing Home and then to Hilltop Estates. She was known for her loving care that she gave to her elderly parents, family and friends. She loved to read and western novels were her favorite. She played the piano and enjoyed singing. She was very active in the Farman and Gothenburg Baptist Churches. She enjoyed sharing her memories of growing up on the farm and of her wonderful gardens and flowers that she raised. She enjoyed sharing good cookies and visits with her neighbors and friends later in life. Survivors include many nieces and nephews and their families including, Mildred Grimes of Seal Rock, Ore., Clyde Hilton of Corvalis, Ore., Lester Maurer of Dennison, Texas, and Phyllis (Dean) Reynolds and Don (Evelyn) Heath, both of Farnam.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; three sisters; and seven brothers [Roy].

Services will be at 2 p.m. today at Blase Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg with the Rev. Larry Viter officiating. Burial will be in the Farnam Cemetery.