Eulila V. Kater, 86, of Wayne Street, Niles, died at 5:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, at her home after an extended illness.

She was born Oct. 10, 1922, in South Bend, Ind., to Dewey Barrett and Ethel Bice.

She lived in Niles since 1941, coming from Mishawaka, Ind.

Eulila retired in 1984 after 16 years of service from Simplicity Pattern Co.

She was formerly employed by Ball Band in Mishawaka.

She enjoyed spending time with her family.

On Oct. 25, 1941, in Mishawaka, she married Frederick R. Kater, who preceded her in death Nov. 22, 1999.

Surviving family include: a daughter, Diana L. (Bert) Sage of Mishawaka; a daughter, Christy K. (Dick) Miller of Saline; a son, Kim A. (Lou Ann) Kater of Niles; a daughter, Roxane E. (Dwain) Casteel of Niles; a daughter, Nancy S. Kater of South Bend, Ind.; a son, Gary T. (Elnora) Kater of Goshen, Ind.; 16 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by: a son, Donald E. Kater, who died Nov. 29, 1979; a son, Robert L. Kater, who died Aug. 6, 2004; her father, Dewey Barrett; mother, Ethel Carnes; stepfather, Charles Carnes; two sisters, Cora Polomskey and Harriet DeVlieger; and great-grandson Justin Kater.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles, with the Rev. Randy Pearman of Bethel Baptist Church.

Burial will be at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Niles. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Berrien County Cancer Service.