Ila Blakeney

Ila Blakeney, 90, of Ridge Farm, passed away at 7:32am, Monday, May 25, 2009, at her home. She was born on March 3, 1919, the daughter of John Mac and Martha Glenn (Haney) Dingwell in Viola, IL. She was married to Wayne Blakeney on June 4, 1939, in Monmouth, IL, until his passing on March 26, 2001. She will be missed by: her son, John Bill Blakeney of Morganton, NC; her daughters, Becky (Roger) Klink of Vermilion Grove and Janette Blakeney of Kingman, IN; her seven grandchildren, Darren (Shelia) Stevens, Shari (Tim) Hetrick, Kari (Jim) Smith, Kelby (Maranda) Klink, Lynsey (Shane) Jackson, Tasha Rossiter, & April Blakeney; and her thirteen great grandchildren, Jake, Nicole, Jessica, Josh, Hannah, Taylor, Hayden, Drake, Darien, Tynley, Challenge, Bruce, & AbiGayle. As a result of her many life experiences, both Ila & Wayne enjoyed many, many dear friends, too many to mention. She was preceded in death by: her parents; her daughter, Gayle Stevens; her son-in-law, Bruce Rossiter; her brother, Lamar; her sister, Florence Johnston; and a great granddaughter, Christina Gayle. In her younger years, Ila enjoyed horseback riding and participating in sports. She received her teaching degree from Monmouth College. In 1932, she started her teaching career in a small one room school house with 24 children. In 1960, she resumed her teaching career and continued teaching in the Ridge Farm School District until her retirement. She participated in her husbands business adventures which included: The Hut, Shady Rest Steak House, Ridge Farm Drug Sundries, and Ridge Way Lanes. It was at Ridge Way Lanes that Ila became an avid bowler and she continued to bowl in multiple leagues until the age of 88. She also enjoyed watching the Cubs baseball, game shows, and working crossword puzzles. She was a member of the Ridge Farm Church of the Nazarene where she taught Sunday school and participated in various church groups. She volunteered along with her sister-in-law, Faustine Hawkins, at the V.A. where they worked with disabled WWII veterans. One of the many activities there was bowling. She also volunteered with Hospice Services and Pleasant Meadows Christian Village. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Vermilion County Home Extension, Lions Club, and the Illiana Antique Car Club. Ila & Wayne loved their old cars and enjoyed their many car tours. A celebration of Ilas life will be held at 10:30am, Monday, June 1, 2009, at Sunsets Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, 200 E West St, Georgetown. Pastor James Blue will officiate. Visitation will be 2p -6p, Sunday, May 31, 2009, at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Crown Hill Cemetery, Ridge Farm. Memorial donations may be given in Ilas name to Carle Hospice or Pleasant Meadows Christian Village or CRIS Senior Services.