Lila Belle Boatman

On July 7th 2017, Lila peacefully passed away at Mercy San Juan Hospital in Carmichael California, from Leukemia. She was born on May 6th, 1926 in Amherst Nebraska to Dewey Fred Harmoney and Myrtle (Axtell) Harmoney and was one of 5 children.

Lila first attended school when she was 4 years old. It was a small country school that had only two other students, one being Lucille, Lila’s cousin the other was Ernest, Lila’s older brother. The teacher room and bordered at Lila’s family’s home. The largest school that Lila attended had 14 students.

Lila met Bill Boatman in March 1945 at Treasure Island where he was working as a corpsman. Lila was there with a girlfriend to see the friend’s boyfriend. When they went to visit the next weekend Bill ask her for her phone number but she did not give it to him until two weeks later. Lila and Bill dated a few weeks and were married April 27th 1945. Together they had a son and a daughter.

Bill and Lila’s giving nature led them to Roseville Sunrise Lions club where for more than 20 years they gave their time and dedication, from Thanksgiving baskets for families in need, to shopping sprees for needy children. Lila worked alongside Bill at area blood drives as well as many other outreach programs.

Lila has always been “Grandma” to all because of her unwavering love of family. We will all treasure the time that we have spent with her, in her garden, at the pool, or surrounded by her Christmas decorations.

Her loving and caring spirit will live on through her beloved husband of 72 years, William (Bill); son, Hansford Boatman Sr.; five grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; two sisters and many nieces and nephews. Lila was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Lila Diane Boatman and brothers Ernest and Bob Harmoney.

Services in celebration of Lila’s life will be held on July 12th, 2017 at 2:00pm at Mt Vernon Memorial Cemetery.

Donations may be made in memory of Lila to the following organizations:

*1) Commission To Every Nation

P.O. BOX 291307 Kerrville, TX 78029-1307

Payable To: CTEN, Preferred To: Pierce in Kenya

2) Boys Town

P.O. Box 6000 Boys Town

NE 68010