Kirwin resident, Nila P. Eilert, 68, of Kirwin, died Monday, October 1, 2012 at her home. She was born at home in rural Smith County on February 2, 1944 to Garner and Beth Merrill. She was a homemaker.

Nila attended Windy Point School, a small country school, until eighth grade. She graduated from Esbon High School in 1961. Upon graduation, Nila worked with her parents in the family business. In 1976 Nila moved to Superior, Nebraska where she and her husband, Albert Eilert, raised their family and farmed.

She enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, working the daily crossword from the newspaper, and gardening.

Nila is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Gina and Chester Peak of Kirwin; her son and daughter-in-law, Dallas and Patricia Eilert of McPherson; seven grandchildren, Caitlin, Hannah, Julia, Noah, Sarah, Gracie, and Joel; four siblings, Linda (Jack) Ecklund of Port Orchard, Washington, John (Janet) Merrill of Mankato, Kansas, Marta (Kenneth) Chandler of Mankato, Kansas, and April Lang of Manchester, Washington.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Albert H. Eilert (1990) and her parents.

Cremation was planned. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, October 9, at 11:00 a.m. in the Kirwin United Methodist Church, Kirwin, KS with Pastor Becky Davison and Janet Reynolds officiating.

Friends may sign her memory book on Monday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel in Phillipsburg, KS.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Kirwin Library, Kirwin United Methodist Church or Phillips County E.M.S.