Ila S. Champion
November 14, 2017
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Service Details
Ila Gwenyth (Seiberling) Champion, 103, died peacefully at her home on November 14, 2017. Ila was born on March 14, 1914, in Cresbard, SD to Walter Eldon Seilberling and Myrtle Blanche Lacey Seiberling. She was the little sister to Eldon and Marvin. When she was three years old the family moved back to Mitchellville, IA to the Seiberling family homestead.
Ila was a good student and graduated from Mitchellville High School, “on the honor roll.” On June 2, 1934, she married Lewis Ezra Doyle Champion on “the hottest day of the year” in her Aunt Lizzie’s living room. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary before Doyle’s death in 1995.
Ila loved to travel and had the opportunity to see the world. She and Doyle enjoyed several trips to Europe; took cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska; traveled to Hawaii; and after 1995 she toured Ireland and went to Egypt by herself to visit a longtime friend.
She always looked forward to a new adventure and she rode over the Sonoran Desert in a hot air balloon; rode a camel; was the oldest person to go rafting on the Arkansas River when she was 85; rode on a jet ski at 90; took a ride on a mountain slide with her grandson; rode in an outrigger canoe; loved to go fishing in Minnesota.
She was talented in all things creative—painting, photography, sewing, and quilting . She had a beautiful flower garden and birds and butterflies were of special interest. She participated in the Alpha Chapter Poetry Society.
She was generous and giving her entire life and had a smile and kind word for everyone. People loved to come to visit because her house was always full of good food, fun, and laughter. She was a volunteer with Heifer International, active in Woodside PTA for many years, a member of Altoona Christian Church and Highland Park Christian Church, a charter member of the Lunch Bunch, on the Iowa State Nursing Home Inspection Team, Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star, and driver on visits to take gifts to the Eastern Star Home in Boone.
She was always proud of her family and taught us to love books and games. She was a Scrabble player who liked to win! Better have the dictionary ready!
She was a loving mother who always supported and encouraged us in every endeavor. She gave us a sturdy foundation and confidence to aim high. We will miss her!
She is survived by her children Karalee McWhorter, Jim (Sandy) Champion, Kathy (Terry) Laidley, and Betsy (LaVerne) Bown; nine grandchildren, Brett Champion, Kelly (Todd) Weber, Andrew (Karin) McWhorter, Allison (Brennon) Morris, Shannon Tarbell, Katie (Peter) Williams, Lacey (Stephen) Miller, Amanda (Andrew) Leider, and Erin Bown; and seven great grandchildren, Collin and Anna McWhorter, Parker and Brett II “Champ” Champion, Lila Weber, Owen Williams, and Kaden Miller. She was preceded in death by her husband Lewis Ezra Doyle Champion, her parents and her two brothers.
Per her wishes, a private family graveside service will take place at Altoona Cemetery with a “party” from 3:00 – 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Altoona Christian Church, 2890 1st Ave South, Altoona.
Special thanks to Wesley Life Hospice caregivers for their kindness and compassion and Dr. Neelima Chennupati for her continued friendship and care.
Memorials, if desired, may be donated to Heifer International, One World Ave. Little Rock, AR, 72202, www.heifer.org or the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jerrie @Denny Ellis
01/04/2018
Dear Champion family,
We were so sad to hear of Ila's passing. She was certainly a great role model and inspiration to all. She never let any grass grow under her feet!! Her life would make a good biography of someone with talent who also was very generous and sharing. I know she was very proud of the whole family and loved going on your Minnesota fishing trips together. I would have liked to see her butterfly collection or her art of butterflies. She left a lasting wonderful impression not only on her family but on all who knew her. She lived a very full life and will be greatly missed. She is sharing her life in heaven now with all she loved and we love who went before her. Our thoughts and prayers are with the whole family.
Love,
Denny and Jerrie Ellis
Pat Underwood
11/22/2017
I enjoyed knowing Ila through the Alpha Chapter Poetry Society. She loved poetry, and she was a lovely person. I'm from Mitchellville originally also, so we shared fond memories. We'll certainly miss her.
I misunderstood the date of your celebration of her life and came on Sunday instead of Saturday. I apologize for that. Please know that I was thinking of your family in this time of remembrance.
June Barron
11/17/2017
Ila was one of the loviest ladies, I have ever known. So full of love of life, adventure, and sincere concern for others. A wonderful friend, Mother, Grandmother, and great Grandmother. I was so lucky to work with her at church, and in organizations. to be invited often to her home, and to share several little soul satisfying adventures with her. One summer, we followed a ranger at Jester park, as he explained all about Monarch butterflies. And, soon, she had her own Butterfly Garden. she was creative, full of stories and memories, loved History, was so proud of her husband Doyle, and encouraged his love of poetry. and was not afraid to speak in public. I know that Every One, who knew her will miss her. Sending Prayers for her wonderful family.
Kathy Web Wikert
11/16/2017
A great lady has passed from this world into the next. I benefited from Ila's welcoming and generous spirit and was inspired by her creativity.
Lucille Morgan Wilson
11/17/2017
As a member of the Alpha Chapter Poetry Society, I had the opportunity a number of times to enjoy Ila's hospitality. She always seemed delighted to be our hostess -- a charming, lovely lady. I will be out of town and cannot enjoy the "party" with all of you but send my condolences. Ila's long life was full and well-lived, a model for many of us.
Lucille Morgan Wilson