Ila M. Pace, age 97, formerly of Iuka, Mississippi, died May 20, 2023, at Prairie Sunset Home, Pretty Prairie, Kansas. She was born January 31, 1926, in Iuka, Mississippi, to Fred A. and Bernie (Daniel) Martin. Ila moved to Pretty Prairie, Kansas over six years ago, to be closer to family.
Ms. Ila graduated from Iuka High School, Iuka, Mississippi. She retired from General Electric as an executive administrative assistant, after 36 years of service. After her husband, James died, Ila went to work at Tishomingo Manor, Iuka, Mississippi. Ila was a classy and humble lady. She enjoyed keeping busy and helping those in need. Ila loved her immediate and extended family, and her church family unconditionally. She was a member of Mount Evergreen Church, Iuka, Mississippi.
August 1947, she married James Pace, Jr., in Chicago, Illinois. He died December 26, 1994, after they shared 47 years of marriage.
Ila is survived by her son, Daniel R. Pace (Brenda) of Pretty Prairie, Kansas; brother, Charles Martin (Suzanne) of Iuka, Mississippi; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Fred A. Martin and Bernie Daniels Martin; sisters, Jewel Watkins and Lois Johnson; and brothers, Earl Martin, Fred Martin, Jr. and Billy Martin, and their spouses.
Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 9, 2023, at Mount Evergreen Church, 253 Country Road 224, Iuka, Mississippi. Officiating will be Bro. Michael Lambert. Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Ludlam Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ila M. Pace. You may leave online condolences to the family at www.ludlamfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Mount Evergreen Church, Iuka, Mississippi, or Prairie Sunset Home, Pretty Prairie, Kansas in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, Kansas 67501.