Ila Mae (Schultz) Simpson passed away on Monday, February 13th, 2023, her 87th birthday, with her family by her side.
Ila was born February 13th, 1936, in Charles City, IA, raised by her parents, Pearl and Dale Willert. Ila had 4 siblings, Bette, Robert, Donald, and Arnold J. They enjoyed exploring and going on adventures around Charles City together. Ila graduated from Charles City High School in 1956. She was married in 1957 and had three children that were her everything. Ila was one of the most hardworking and selfless individuals and always put others before herself. She spent many years working the overnight shift at Easter’s grocery store, which allowed her to spend time with her grandchildren during the day and be their emergency “I forgot something for school” lifeline. Ila also spent the years before her retirement working at Pizza Ranch with her daughter, Jackie and granddaughters, Ashley & Dusty. Ila loved playing BINGO and the card game 500 with her friends and family, as well as bowling in a local league.
Ila had a love for sweets. Some of her favorites were peanut buster parfaits & dilly bars from Dairy Queen, baking cookies & fudge, and always having a candy dish of peanut butter M&Ms on hand for her great grandkids and son-in law, Kelly to grab a handful of. Ila also made some staple foods that were impossible to recreate, such as potato salad (which often was made in bulk for graduations and weddings), macaroni salad, and homemade noodles.
In her retirement years, Ila developed a deep love for pets and for spoiling them. She had a strong bond with her dogs Sadie, Penny, & Susie, as well as her cat, Spook. Her perfect day would be having her family stop by or call for a visit, snuggling her pets, sunbathing in her recliner while watching “westerns” and looking over her photos. Every room of her house was filled with pictures of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. They were truly her greatest pride and joy. Everyone genuinely loved coming to see “Grandma Ila”. Getting together for the 4th of July festivities in Charles City was a special time. Ila enjoyed watching the parade, eating her son Terry’s grilled chicken, and spending time with her family. Ila held very dear to her heart two recent trips – one to Florida to visit her sister Bette with her two daughters and a second, going to San Diego to spend time in her daughter Kim’s beautiful home.
Ila is survived by her children: Kimberly (Vern) Linnell, San Diego, CA; Terry (Theresa) Simpson, Plymouth, MN; and Jackie (Kelly) Meyer, Ionia, IA. She was blessed with seven wonderful grandchildren: Stephanie (Ryan) Carrington, Ryan (Katie) Linnell, Ashley (Christopher) Jacobi, Jacob (Jenna) Linnell, Dusty (Cody) Schmitt, Lindsey (Calen) Gilbertson, and Alicia Simpson. Ila was also blessed with 14 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers, Donald Schultz and Robert Schultz.
Ila was preceded in death by her parents Pearl and Dale Willert, her beloved sister and best friend Bette Willis, her brother Arnold J Schultz, and a great grandchild Zeta Thompson.
Due to forecasted inclement weather, Ila’s Celebration of Life is being rescheduled to a later date. Please send any correspondence to the family of Ila Simpson at 305 Hulin St.
