Memorial
Ila May Rooks, 92, of Marion, passed away August 30, 2019. Funeral services celebrating Ila's life will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, September 10th, at the (new) Marion First United Methodist Church, with Pastor Mike Morgan officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 7:00 P.M. Monday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.
Ila May was born October 12, 1926, to Ezra and Maybelle (Thompson) Wood in Arnolds Park, Iowa. She graduated from Osage High School and obtained a Beautician's License from La James Beauty College in Mason City, Iowa. She was one of many young women who helped with the War effort (WWII) by working in a local provisions factory.
Ila met Howard Bert Rooks (an honorably discharged Navy Technician, Petty Officer 1st Class) who was attending Iowa State College. They met at a skating rink in Nora Springs, Iowa. They were married on November 27, 1947 in Nora Springs.
After college, they moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where Howard worked for two years. They moved back to Iowa where Howard worked for Collins Radio Co. and Ila was a Homemaker and Mother, raising their Six children and contributing to a number of causes and organizations. Some of her notable positions and contributions were with Four Score, A.F.S., Linn-Mar Booster's Club, and Ladies Progressive Club; where her long-time memberships and service included multiple top leadership rolls. She was also a member of the First United Methodist Church.
Ila had many interests and passions, including various gardens and caring for numerous family pets. However, her family’s cares and needs were her daily motivation. This led her to be involved in every way possible to help them succeed in what they were doing including School programs and projects, plus Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4-H, Sports, Drama, Choir, fund raising, trips, etc. Her loving care continued every day, all of her life.
Ila May is survived by her Sister ‘Bea' (Berlye Wood) Williams and her six children: Clay (Roberta) Rooks, Fresno, CA; Judy Rooks (Bill Deiz), Portland, OR; Lance Rooks, Marion, IA; Todd (Regina) Rooks, Nevada, IA; Amy Rooks, Chatham, IL; Kelly Rooks, Marion, IA: ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Ila was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother, and two sisters.
A memorial fund has been established in her name.