Ila Mae Whitlock

Ila Mae Whitlock, 96, died June 24, 2019, at her home in rural Elmdale. She was born October 16, 1922, in Harvey, to Ira and Anna (Jepson) Spencer. Ila Mae graduated from Fayetteville Arkansas High School in 1940 and attended the University of Arkansas for one year. Ila Mae was an active member of Elmdale United Methodist Church, taught Sunday School for over 25 years, was the delegate for annual conference for many years, and involved with United Methodist Women and Alpha Study Club. Ila Mae was a dedicated homemaker and caregiver and enjoyed spending time with her family. She worked for Anderson’s Greenhouse during planting season and was a Camp Counselor for Camp Chippewa.

On August 19, 1942, she married Merle R. Whitlock in Fayetteville, AR. They shared almost 65 years of marriage before he died on February 20, 2007.

Ila Mae is survived by: daughters, Karmen Shaw and husband Bob of Rio Hondo, TX, Gwen Simmons of rural Elmdale; 3 grandchildren, Adam Shaw and wife Melissa of Strong City, Dusty Hazelton and husband Tony of Elmdale, Brent Shaw and wife Rhenda of Arkansas City; and several biological and non-biological great-grandchildren, if anyone needed a grandma she was there.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Stanley Spencer, Lois Spencer, Clayton Spencer; and an infant son.

Cremation has taken place.

Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 29, 2019, at Elmdale United Methodist Church, with Reverend Marilyn Christmore officiating. Family will greet friends from 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, June 28, 2019, at Elmdale United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to Elmdale United Methodist Church, in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home, PO Box 220, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ila Mae Whitlock, please visit our floral store.