Lila L. Schueth
January 16, 1933 – November 24, 2020
Lila Lee (Novak) Schueth was born January 16, 1933 in Herrick, SD to Frank and Edna (Anhorn) Novak. The family lived on a farm during her early years and then moved to Verdigre, NE where they ran a local bar. Lila enjoyed school, piano lessons and voice lessons. When she was older, you often found her helping her parents in the bar.
After graduating from Verdigre High School, Lila attended Norfolk Jr. College. She was “Lila Lee from NJC”. Here she met her future husband, John “Jack” Schueth, while they were both participating in the choir. She was also made cheerleader in college which surprised Lila as she had never considered doing this before. Upon graduation, Jack proposed to Lila but was quickly drafted overseas. Lila insisted the wedding occur upon his return. Lila enjoyed her secretary job while waiting for Jack and they were wed on November 25, 1954. With this union came 8 children: John, Dan, David, Jim, Linda, Mary Jane, Tom and Rhonda.
The family moved several times with Jack’s telephone company employment, but they settled in Grand Island, NE in 1962. Lila became involved in Beta Sigma Phi and the Blessed Sacrament church choir where she was often asked to sing in weddings and funerals. She also became famous for her cinnamon rolls, cinnamon twists, cherry ring and kolaches. The airport employed her to make brownies for incoming flights and 100s of pans of brownies passed through their doors. Johnny Carson was known to have enjoyed those brownies. Lila also enjoyed toll painting during her free time.
In 1979, the family was transferred to Omaha, NE and Lila again became involved with the church, St. Elizabeth Ann, as the secretary. She loved singing in the melodramas with Jack and painting during her spare time. Lila also enjoyed her final employment at Nobbies and gifted numerous Beanie Babies to her grandchildren. Though life threw Lila many crosses to bear, she carried them with dignity, optimism and above all faith. Her greatest accomplishments are her children, 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. She devoted her life to them, and she will be dearly missed by all.
Lila passed away November 24, 2020 and was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents; and children: Dan, David and Mary Jane. She is survived by children: John (Debbie), Jim (Angie), Linda Akey (Steve), Tom (Shelli), and Rhonda Johnson (Troy); 13 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; and brother, Ivan Novak (Jean).
Lila is currently walking down the streets of heaven in her red lipstick saying, “Well, all be darned, look at all the lilacs, does anybody have any chocolate?”
Private Family Service.
To view a broadcast of the Service, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Service” button on the homepage anytime after 3pm on Wednesday.
5 Comments
Lila was such a wonderful being! I always felt so loved around her and she made my dad so happy! So lucky to have had her in our lives! My sincere condolences to the Schueth family.
John, Jim, Linda, Tom, Rhonda and families-
I was sad to hear about your Mom’s passing. I feel horrible that family and friends can’t gather to celebrate her life with you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Love and sympathy to all of you. Lila will be truly missed by all Sorry we couldn’t be there with you
Uncle Bill & Aunt Anne
I was so saddened to see this news. My dad, David Neely, was also a longtime resident with Lila. She was always so sweet and gracious to him. When I would visit she was always smiling and happy. Our dad passed away last Tuesday, so we feel your pain and you are in our thoughts and prayers. Please prayers for my mom, Nancee who is there.
So Sad to hear of Lila’s passing. I really enjoyed the Life she added with her presence. My father, Dale, would just glow when he was with her. They loved each other so much. She was a wonderful person. Very sorry for your loss.
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