Ila Mae Blake, 82

Ila Mae Blake was born May 30, 1943, in Ainsworth, and passed away December 15 at her home in Rock County at the age of 82 years, six months and 15 days. She and her brother, Arlo, spent their childhood in southern Rock County with their parents, Austin and Naomi (Sokol) Sybrant. Ila Mae attended elementary school at Sybrant School District 77, which was the same school her dad had attended, and later, her children would attend. She attended and graduated from Rock County High School. Ila Mae married Archie Blake in 1962. During the Berlin Crisis, Archie was recalled into military service, they made their first home in Louisiana and later Corpus Christi, Texas, where he was stationed.

After being discharged from the military for the second time, Archie and Ila Mae moved back to Rock County to return to ranching. Over the years, they lived on the Hazel Lanz place and the Raymond Hendershot place before Archie built a home for them on the Ben Minor place in southern Rock County. Ila Mae and Archie became the parents of three children, Dean, Ronda and Ranell. Ila Mae was left to care for the ranch when Archie passed away in 2003. At this time, she became especially close to her Savior, Jesus Christ. Dean came home to help her and was there for her to the end of her life. Ila Mae was able to spend all her days on the land in the home she loved. Ila Mae Blake went to be with the Lord on the morning of December 15. Ila Mae Blake is preceded in death by her husband, Archie; her parents, Austin and Naomi Sybrant; and her daughter, Ranell. She is survived by her son Dean of Bassett; daughter Ronda (Mike) Davis of Ainsworth; brother, Arlo Sybrant (Esther) of Bassett; along with eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family members. Funeral service was held on Friday, December 19, at the Sybrant Community Church with Pastor Jason Thompson officiating. Casketbearers were Lee Davis, Jay T Davis, Chris Whidby, Lonnie Buoy, Jerry Buoy, Gary Buoy, and Mike Sybrant. Honorary casketbearers were all of Ila Mae’s other family and friends.

Memorials were suggested to the family in her name. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.