Ila Thill, beloved sister, mother, grandmother
and great grandmother passed away on Thursday,
August 11, 2005 at the Medicine Hat Regional
Hospital at the age of 89.
Ila was born to Ina and Tom Spinks on September
21, 1915 in Leduc, Alberta. Her family moved
from Leduc to Bashaw in May of 1916. In April
of 1920 they moved to the Rimbey area and then to the Potter Creek
District in 1922. Ila received her schooling in Rimbey and lived the
majority of her life in the Rimbey district.
On October 19, 1938 Ila married Alfred Thill. As a newly married
couple, Ila and Alfred lived with Alfred's parents Frank and Annie Thill.
In December 1939 Ila and Alfred moved to their own farm in the Blindman
district just north of Rimbey. Ila worked with Alfred on the farm and
raised their two daughters, Sheila and Bernice. Ila also worked for Maciver
Foods for twelve years. Through the years on the farm, Ila enjoyed
gardening, her flowers, cooking and baking; especially canning and making
pies. She also enjoyed camping with her grandchildren. In 1973 Ila
and Alfred sold their farm land to Larry Hansen but kept the home place.
After Alfred's passing in 1987, Ila left the farm and moved into Rimbey in
the summer of 1988. She continued to keep busy in town by mowing her
own lawn, having a small garden and caring for her flowers.
In the year 2000, Ila moved to Oyen to be closer to her daughters and their
families. She resided at the Oyen Lodge until December 2004 when she
moved into the Continuing Care Unit in Oyen. During her time in Oyen
she liked to play bingo, listen to the oldtimer entertainment on Saturday
nights and visit with her family and the friends that she had made since
moving to Oyen.
She was predeceased by her husband Alfred (1987); sister Blanche Hoag
(2004); and brother-in-law Fred Thill (1991).
Ila leaves to cherish her memory her two daughters Sheila (Jim) Davidson
(Oyen) and Bernice Campbell (Oyen); sister-in-law Mallie Thill (Rimbey);
brother-in-law Dick Hoag (Grande Prairie); six grandchildren and nine
great grandchildren Melody Davidson (Calgary), Lucille (Sheldon) Hertz
and their children Nichole and Nelson (New Brigden), Derek (Terry)
Davidson and their children Rory, Becky, Jocelyn and Brinley (Delburne),
Yvonne (Ray) Honovich and their children Hailey and Cameron (Boise,
Idaho), Jackie Lee (Randy) and their son Bowen (Oyen), and Tammy
Campbell (Angwin, California); son-in-law Reg Campbell (Quesnel, British
Columbia); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
When I must leave you for a little while,
Please do not grieve and shed wild tears,
But start out bravely with a gallant smile;
And for my sake and in my name,
Live on and do all things the same.
Feed not your loneliness on empty days,
Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer,
And I in turn will comfort you and hold you near.
Funeral Service was held Friday, August 19, at the Rimbey United Church
in Rimbey, Alberta. Rev. Frank Lough and Shealagh McClelland were
the Officiating Clergy. Organist was Vi Christianson. A eulogy was
given by Yvonne Honovich and Melody Davidson. Joyce Tona sang
"How Great Thou Art" and special music was "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan.
Hymns were "In The Garden" and "Take My Hand Precious Lord."
Pallbearers were Melody Davidson, Sheldon Hertz, Nelson Hertz, Randy
Lee, Bowen Lee and Derek Davidson. Honorary Pallbearers were Lucille
Hertz, Yvonne Honovich, Jackie Lee, Tammy Campbell, Nichole Hertz,
Rory, Becky, Jocelyn & Brinley Davidson, Hailey & Cameron Honovich,
all Ila's family, her friends and all those in attendance.
Memorials tributes may be directed to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation,
#101, 5208 - 53rd Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 5K2; or to a
charity of the donor's choice.
Following the service, family and friends were invited to a luncheon
hosted by the Rimbey United Church Women in the church basement.
Interment was at the Rimbey West Haven Cemetery.
MacLean's Funeral Home of Oyen and Oberhammer Funeral Chapels,
Rimbey, Alberta in care of arrangements.
Ila Thill
September 21, 1915-August 11, 2005