of Vilonia, AR
June 1, 1939 - July 8, 2024
Ila Mae Gunter, 85, of Vilonia, Arkansas, passed away on Monday, July 8, 2024, at her home, surrounded by her family. She was born on June 1, 1939, in El Paso, Arkansas, to the late Idress Short and Catherine Harston Short.
Ila had a happy childhood in El Paso, where she enjoyed playing with her sisters and visiting with her relatives. As a young teen, she began working in the strawberry fields and picking cotton to earn extra money for school clothes. She was a good student who excelled in typing and shorthand. After graduating from Beebe High School in 1957, Ila went to work in the military department at Camp Robinson doing secretarial work. In 1958, she obtained a position in the State Auditor's Office. A short time later, she moved to a position in the Office of the State Treasurer, where she would stay until she retired thirty years later in 1988.
Ila has always been known for her kindness, her generosity, and her love of family and Jesus. Ila attended church faithfully at United Fellowship Church until her health wouldn't allow her to any longer. Dementia stole a lot of things from her but it could never take her sweet spirit or her smile.
Ila was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Roy, as well as her sister, Patsy Ruth Jones.
Ila is survived by her sons, Steve (Misti) Gunter of Vilonia, and Mark (Tara) Gunter also of Vilonia. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Brooke (Joseph) Potts of El Paso, Amber (Charlie) Mattheis of Beebe, Chance (Jordyn) Gunter of Vilonia, Zane Gunter of Conway, and Zoie Gunter of Vilonia, and three great-grandchildren, JR and Judson Potts, and RayLee Mae Gunter. She is also survived by one sister, Jane (Larry)Glover of Conway, and a host of nephews and nieces.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Roller-McNutt in Conway, Arkansas. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. also at Roller-McNutt. Burial will follow the service at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Conway, Arkansas.
Serving as pallbearers will be Chance Gunter, Zane Gunter, Brian Glover, Brett Glover, Joseph Potts, and Charlie Mattheis. Honorary pallbearers are Larry Glover, Tim Harrison, and Preston Keller. Officiants are Bro. Mike Himes and Daron Williams.
Our family would like to thank Arkansas Hospice for the excellent care that they provided to Ila over the last several months. We would also like to extend a special thank you to Shelley Andrews for the meals that she has so faithfully provided over the past three years, and to Carol Burns for her care of and friendship with Ila.
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12 Condolence(s)
Maribeth
Wednesday, August 7, 2024
Steve and Mark, I'm so very sorry to hear about your Mom. There is never a good time for this loss. I have you all in my prayers. And I had just recently chatted with Steve online and was a nice memory to remember meeting him back I don't know 50 something years ago I guess. And I just sure I'm sorry
Nelle Hogue
Monday, July 15, 2024
Jane, I’m so very sorry to learn that Ila passed. I’ve kept up somewhat over the years through Elaine. She did call to tell me. I know her family will greatly miss her and I’ll always remember her beautiful smile. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Bobbie Creasy Salah
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Ila Mae was always such a sweet lady when I came to visit with my dad Bill Gunter and family. I remember going to her and Sonny's house for get togethers when I was younger. It’s been many years since I’ve seen her but she will be truly missed. My deepest condolences to the family. Love and prayers.
Terry Clifton
Friday, July 12, 2024
Dear Janie & family,
Ila was a sweet & beautiful lady with much
love for everyone. Jane, you & I had memories of her letting us stay with Roy &
Her when they lived at Camp Robinson.
I love each of you as family.
Prayers for all of you..
Hal and Sheila Naylor
Friday, July 12, 2024
Mark and Steve; we are so sorry about your Mom. Please know that your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Bobbie Creasy Salah
Friday, July 12, 2024
Ila Mae was always such a sweet lady when I came to visit with my dad Bill Gunter and family. I remember going to her and Sonny's house for get togethers when I was younger. It’s been many years since I’ve seen her but she will be truly missed. My deepest condolences to the family. Love and prayers.
Felicia Gunter Stackpole
Friday, July 12, 2024
Ila Mae was always so sweet to me when I came to visit with my dad Bill Gunter and family. I remember going to her and Sonny's house for get togethers when I was younger. She will be truly missed. My deepest condolences to the family. Love and prayers.
Jimmy &Sharon Hooten
Friday, July 12, 2024
I have known Ila for many years and she was a dear friend. She was so kind and thoughtful. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. RIP dear gracious lady.
Alice and Gail Gray
Friday, July 12, 2024
Alice and I did not know Ila personally, but did know of her love for her family through Mark, Steve, and especially Amber and Charlie. We see what a great loss this is to the family, but know there will be a great reunion with her and Roy in the future. That is the assurance we have through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. God bless each one of you and may Christ give you strength and peace in this time of loss.
Jackie Bishop
Thursday, July 11, 2024
One of my faithful prayer warriors for a long time until her memory left her. Probably the kindest person I’ve ever known and always saw the good in everyone. I loved her and I love you guys. She left such a beautiful legacy for y’all. Just know I’ve been praying for her comfort and yours and will continue because she will be missed!!
Linda Breeding
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Janie, I am so sorry to see this, but I know your Mom Is so happy to see her. Ila was such a sweet lady. I’m praying for you as I know you are missing her.
Susan Riedmueller
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Jane many prayers and lots of love for you and your family. You’re blessed to have had Ila as a big sister in your life. I know you will cherish the memories.
Love Susan