Ila Jean Lewis December 27, 1935 ~ March 29, 2025
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Ila Jean Lewis, 89, of Missoula passed Saturday, March 29, 2025 at her home surrounded by family. A memorial service will be held at the Missoula Church of Christ, 1528 S Higgins Ave, Saturday May 3rd at 3pm. Online condolences may be left at gardencityfh.com. Ila Jean, daughter of Lester and Edna (Ferguson) Criger, was born December 27, 1935 in Allston township in Dundy County. She attended school in Dundy County and graduated from Parks High School in 1953. She met the love of her life, Leonard Lewis, in her home town of Parks and they started dating while he was serving in the Navy. They were married on August 28, 1953 in Sweet Home, Oregon. Ila loved staying home and caring for her children but was also a talented seamstress. She was employed at Hennesy’s and the Bon Marche and also worked independently from her home for many years. She had a whole room dedicated to sewing and made gifts and clothing for her beloved children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Ila was a devoted member of the Church of Christ. She had also been a member of singing groups, including Ladies of the Valley and the Sweet Adelines. She had a truly beautiful voice. Ila had a green thumb and enjoyed tending to her vegetable and flower gardens and also canned some produce over the years. She was a talented cook and baker, especially known for her family famous bread and pie. She cherished the time she was able to spend with those she loved. Above all else, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who will be greatly missed. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Leonard Lewis; two sons, Larry (Jana) Lewis; Tim Lewis; seven grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; brother, Charlie (Dodie) Criger; sister, Cindy (Jay) Preston; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Ila was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Edna; her brothers, Dale, Delbert, Doyle, and Kenneth; and her daughters, Deborah (in infancy); Janet “Kathy” Duffner; and Becky Kobos.