For Education

About Ila

 

Ila was an extraordinary woman. Born into a large family, she grew up during the Great Depression in abject poverty. Despite very few educational supports in her environment, her father instilled in her a love of books and reading. Thus began the origin of Ila's natural curiosity and lust for knowledge and learning. She was the lone child in her family of seven children to graduate from high school. An honor student, Ila also exemplified character and leadership and was the recipient of the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award (www.dar.org).

Through her accomplishments and tenacity, Ila captured the imaginations of generous and compassionate local merchants, townspeople and friends and received scholarship assistance to pursue her college studies leading her to her chosen profession as a Registered Nurse.

After college, Ila worked as a nurse for 25 years while raising her 5 children. She passed along her curiosity and love of learning to her children. Having been an underdog herself, she ardently emphasized to her children the importance of defending and supporting those individuals who were marginalized or less advantaged than themselves. She was guided by a strong sense of pride in her community and state. Social injustice and discrimination were topics that enraged her. Her passions and politics were guided by these principles. Her love and commitment to her friends and family was unparalleled.

Ila valued education and the pursuit of knowledge. She was an avid reader and often read a book a day. Music was also a particular passion from which she derived much pleasure. Her other interests were extremely diverse and included history, archaeology, gardening and bird watching. Never one to stoop to convention, in her early years she was quite athletic and enjoyed outdoor activities such as deer hunting, giving her husband a healthy, competitive run for his money.

Later in life after her children were grown, Ila taught Adult Basic Education to individuals to help them achieve academic competency to test for the GED. She had an inordinate, seemingly innate capacity to identify the good and potential in those she came in contact with -- traits that the individuals themselves were often not even aware of. She possessed a compassion and kindness for those in distress and need. She both formally and informally mentored many an individual. Her influence and generosity has been felt far and wide.

Ila was a woman of character and conscience. She possessed a fierce independence and cared little for negative judgment and aspersions from contentious naysayers. She believed in fairness and equality for all, regardless of race, color, gender, creed, sexual orientation or socioeconomic strata.

Since her passing, Ila's indomitable spirit has continued to influence her friends and family. She would be delighted to know that her name and life have inspired a fund specifically designed to benefit the passions, people and principles she so fervently promoted.