Ila Mae (Dodson) Macy, 86, of Alta Vista, Kansas passed away Sunday, February 15, 2015.
Ila Mae was born October 1, 1928 near Jennings, Kansas, the fourth of five daughters of F.J. “Ted” and Della (VanSickle) Dodson. She attended Rock Island District 79 and graduated from Decatur Community High School, Oberlin, Kansas and Kansas State University.
Ila Mae married Charles Macy on July 25, 1948 in Jennings, Kansas, and celebrated 63 years of marriage. Charles preceded her in death on February 27, 2012, as well as her parents; her sisters Norma, Bonnie, and Francis.
Survivors include her sister, Violet Foster; three children: Trudy Rice (Ron) of Lawrence, KS; Cindy Schultz (Lee) of Alma, KS; and Carey Macy (Wanda) of Alta Vista, KS; and six grandchildren: Brandie Disberger (Bill), Brad Rice, Cassie Scripter (Seth), Callie Topper, Colter Macy (Megan), and Coy Macy (Geneva). Ila Mae has seven great-grandchildren: Castan, Cutter, Colby, Cait, Creighton, Connor, Chloe, Brigham, and Brock; and many nieces and nephews.
Charles and Ila Mae moved from Oberlin to Alta Vista, KS in 1973 where Ila Mae became involved in Alta Vista Chamber of Commerce serving as president, Simpson United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, and Wabaunsee County 4-H and Extension. Charles and Ila Mae travelled across three continents and to events throughout the Midwest. Ila Mae spent endless hours helping children and grandchildren and loved to sew, quilt, paint, garden, read, and spend evenings playing pinochle with friends.
Ila Mae had a deep love and respect for learning. She pursued many avenues and earned her Normal Teacher Training Certificate at Fort Hays State University, her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education at K-State, her Cosmetology License, and her Real Estate License. They owned and operated numerous sale barns where Ila Mae also managed the restaurants and business offices, and ran Macy Real Estate and Auctions for over forty years. She shared lifelong learning and creative ideas with those around her and particularly cared for her first grade students at USD #417 schools in Alta Vista. Ila Mae was very proud of her family, their education achievements, and individual successes. She is remembered most as a strong and loving mom and grandma.
Memorial contributions may be made to United Methodist Women of Simpson United Methodist Church in care of Penwell-Gabel, PO Box 273, Council Grove, KS 66846.