Ila R. Willden

Aurora, Utah - Our happy Mom, Ila Raedel Higgins Willden, age 79, of Aurora, returned home to her Heavenly Father, and to her beloved husband, DeVoy, May 8, 2015 in Centerfield, Utah. She was born February 16, 1936 in Monroe, Utah, a daughter of John William and Hulda Elnora Peterson Higgins. She graduated from South Sevier High School, Class of 1954. She married Ervin DeVoy Willden, February 16, 1956 in Monroe, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple, May 29, 1973. DeVoy died April 9, 2001. She was an active member of the LDS Church, serving as Primary President, Counselor in the Relief Society, Den Leader in Cub Scouting, Librarian and Visiting Teacher, Primary Teacher and Temple Worker. She served as PTA President; was an EMT; and she squirted the 4th of July dynamite blasters with the garden hose. Ila enjoyed crocheting; bowling; gardening; and camping with her family. Mom could make people laugh, it was her passion. She had a creative hand in writing scripts and performing amazing humorous programs. She could run REALLY fast with a willow switch and always wanted to get the last "gotcha". She is survived by her children: Wendy and Ed Betts of Roosevelt; Tim and Colleen Willden of Redmond; Staci and Dennis Prisbrey of Aurora; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two grandchildren: Janey Ann Willden and Jesse Carl Willden; four brothers and two sisters: Delbert Higgins; Morris Higgins; Wallace Higgins; Marlin Higgins; Rosella Nay and Gena Shaw. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at 12 Noon in the Aurora 2nd LDS Ward Chapel. Friends may call for viewing at the Springer Turner Funeral Home in Salina, Monday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. or at the ward chapel in Aurora, Tuesday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 prior to the services. Burial will be in the Aurora City Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.