Ilene Mae (Stalker) Willard

Ilene M. Willard, 84, of Granger, passed away on Monday, August 8, 2022 at her home.

Ilene was born on May 27, 1938 in Park County, IN to the late, Charles Glen Stalker and Sarah “Opal” (Done) Stalker. She married the love of her life Richard Lee Willard on July 14, 1956 in Mishawaka, IN. He passed away on November 16, 2019.

Ilene is preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Richard and her beloved pet, “Fuzzy”.

Ilene is survived by her daughters, Susan (Terry) Oldenburg and Tammy L. (Robin) Oldenburg; grandchildren, Matthew (Jackie) Oldenburg and Amy Oldenburg Whitaker; great grandchildren, Hadlee, Lucy and Louie. Ilene also has nieces and nephews dear to her heart.

Ilene was the true definition of a mom. She was a proud graduate of Mishawaka High School. Ilene was a secretary to Elkhart Community Schools for 25 years. Ilene returned to Elkhart Community Schools working for the PACE Program for 19 years; she adored the staff and children. Ilene and her husband, Richard were 50-year parishioners of Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Mishawaka. She was a secretary with extreme administrative talents including fluent shorthand. Ilene was involved with coaching Cleveland Twp Little League. Ilene enjoyed playing board games, especially winning at Scrabble and Euchre. She enjoyed embroidering in her spare time.

Ilene was a loving wife, supportive mom and doting grandma. She was an excellent cook, and everyone was invited to her table. She was patient, kind and a great listener; so very loving.    

Visitation for Ilene will be held from 4:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday, August 12, 2022 at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, IN 46514.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 4508 Vistula Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46544 with Fr. Jason LaLonde officiating. One hour visitation from 9:00am to 10:00am will occur prior to the start of the Mass.

Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Osceola, IN.

Memorial Contributions may be directed to The Humane Society of Elkhart County to help the animals in which she loved.

For those that wish to send a condolence, share a memory or order flowers may do so at www.billingsfuneralhome.com

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