Ila Jean Davis

Ila Jean Davis, 85, began her heavenly reward on May 10, 2023. Ila was born on February 5, 1938 in Coalville Utah to Melvin and Beulah Saxton. As a child, Ila loved spending time in the mountains with her Dad and Grandpa herding sheep and riding horses. Ila began loving and raising children at a very young age but waited until 1976 to meet her soul mate. She married DeWayne Davis on March 15, 1977 and moved to Auburn, Washington. Ila had so much love for children, she began a new career as a special needs teacher in the Seattle School District. She and her husband retired in 2000 and moved to Helena, Montana where they enjoyed their retired life camping, ATV riding and spending time with their many newfound friends. With her friends, she loved swimming at the YMCA, playing cards, Bunco, going to the casino and shopping. But her greatest joy was cooking and baking for her family and friends. She always had coffee on and some homemade goody she insisted on feeding you. Her legendary homemade bread and “scones” will be missed by anyone who was fortunate enough to have eaten them. Ila came full circle and returned to Utah in December 2022. She spent her final few months at Sundridge Assisted Living in Layton Utah where she endeared herself to both the residents and staff. Once again she enjoyed playing games and the many activities Sundridge offered. Ila never met a stranger. Everyone who crossed paths with her was a better person for it. She made friends easily and had many lifelong friends with whom she kept in contact for the rest of her life. Even though Ila enjoyed an active life, her greatest joy was her 6 children and especially her 14 grandchildren, and too many to count great grandchildren. She reveled in spending time and loving all of them. She celebrated every success and encouraged all of their dreams. She is survived by 3 of her children, Susan Isbell (Bob) of Layton Utah, Marla Sherrard (Myron) of Oro Valley Arizona, and Brady Wilkerson (Merla) of Helena Montana, daughter-inlaw Donna Wilkerson of Helena Montana, and her sister, Marsha Jones (Lehi Utah) Preceded in death were her husband, DeWayne, and 3 of her sons, Denny, Mark and Billy. Also preceded in death were her parents, Melvin and Beulah Saxton and 2 sisters, Norene and Lucille. A celebration of life will be in Helena Montana at a later date.

Ila Jean Davis

February 5, 1938 - May 10, 2023