Karen Ashbridge
My sister Ilene, was my friend and confidant. When we drove the 4 hours to St George to visit our parents years ago. She didn't get a nap and I didn't need my audiobook to keep me awake. We talked the whole way!
Birth date: May 19, 1954 Death date: Nov 19, 2025
Ilene Adams Washburn, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend, returned to her Heavenly Father on November 19, 2025, at the age of 71. She was born on May 19, 1954, and grew up in Highland, Utah, where her c Read Obituary
My sister Ilene, was my friend and confidant. When we drove the 4 hours to St George to visit our parents years ago. She didn't get a nap and I didn't need my audiobook to keep me awake. We talked the whole way!
Ilene was my aunt and surrogate mother when I left home in SC to go to college in Utah. She moved me into my freshman dorm and picked me up for family dinners. Later when I lived with my grandparents next door I loved seeing her and her family all the time. She taught me a lot about grace and patience and being willing to serve anyone who needed help. I hope she and Andrea and Carolyn are having a joyful reunion!
Ilene made friends so easily. I remember when I was 8 years old (and so Ilene would be 6), my dad had to go to New Mexico for some business and took the family along and made it a vacation where we actually stayed in a hotel and even better with a swimming pool!!So, of course we had to swim. I distinctly remember it wasn’t 5 minutes and Ilene had a group of friends playing in the water while I was still sitting on the edge. She could make instant friends!
She was always welcoming and fun to be with!
Ilene knew how to make friends. I remember when I was 8 years old (and so Ilene would be 6), our dad had to go to New Mexico for some business and took the family along and made it a vacation where we actually stayed in a hotel and, even better, with a swimming pool!! So, of course we had to swim. I distinctly remember it wasn’t 5 minutes and Ilene had a group of friends playing in the water while I was still sitting on the edge. She could make instant friends!
We loved visiting Mom and Dad with the well worn path to Ilene's house. I think Ilene's kids inherited her fun loving nature as our children loved to visit and especially enjoyed the night games!!
I love visiting Ilene and Allen in their big house. I loved seeing Ilene work on her computer for school. She was always so patient with me even when I was playing on her electric organ. I'll miss her
It is hard to separate in my mind visiting grandparents from visiting Ilene and her family, as they lived across the street from each other. Ilene's house was always full of family, food, and fun. I feel so lucky that she was my aunt and I got to know her.
Ilene has been my best friend the past several years. She has done more to help me heal from hidden wounds than anyone else in my life. She never allowed me to denigrate myself, and reminded me that I have worth in my Heavenly Father’s eyes as well as hers and others. I will forever love Ilene. She has been one of God’s angels for me and for many others. Can’t wait to see you again my cherished friend!
Your Strength and Help through out so many trials will always be remembered. You were the BEST sister in Law ever. I will miss you !!!
PS I had to.go and correct a couple words. Not abbreviate them. Ilene would have asked is that correct ?