Ila Mae Dillon

Ila M. Dillon, 84, peacefully passed away on Sunday, October 9, in her Lafayette home, with her family by her side. Her unyielding will, persevering faith, strength and consistency of character, unwavering love for family and friends, and support and prayers from near and far carried her through several battles with cancer in her life.  She was a warrior, facing this last battle with cancer with the same courage, resilience, and dignity that she displayed throughout her life.

Ila was born in Winchester on December 13, 1937, to Minnie Carroll, as the youngest of four, with two older brothers who adored her.  She attended Winchester High School and worked her first job as a waitress at the Rainbow Restaurant in Winchester.  She met the love of her life, Patrick Dillon, on a blind date and after a perseverant courtship, they went on to marry on July 5, 1954.  The two of them began their legacy of family together with the birth of their son Terry and daughter Tammy.  Together, they shared a love for golf, card playing in their couples Euchre group, dinners and dancing, theatre, and joint business ventures. They were successful entrepreneurs, owning Century Block Company in Speedway before moving to Lafayette and starting Dillon Trenching, Dillon and Son Masonry, Nu Kitchens, Nu Counters, and The Dillon Group. They treated their employees as family and attributed their success to the work family they cultivated and valued dearly. They designed and built a home together, however, Pat passed on before they were able to enjoy the home together. Ila showed her tenacity, strength, and passion for living, as she went on living a vibrant life that would make him proud, even as she missed him so.

Family was of utmost importance to Ila, and if you were a friend, you would be included as family. Ila’s generous and inclusive nature was on display each holiday, as she hosted delicious meals and joyful celebrations. There was always more than enough to share, as all were invited and encouraged to take home leftovers to share and enjoy.  She was a phenomenal cook, and even as her recipes were shared, they never seemed to turn out quite as well as when Ila had lovingly prepared them.  Ila’s love for family meant that she was dedicatedly present at the numerous events of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren she greatly adored. She was constant in the way she lived and loved, enjoying the routine of gathering, whether it be Friday night meals, Sunday afternoon gatherings, weekly card club, Sunday morning mass followed by lunch at Arnis, or watching a grandson or great-grandchild for Friday night football. She also enjoyed knitting, making gifts throughout the year, and also gardening, finding great joy in the beauty of all varieties of flowers.

Ila’s generosity of time and resources extended through her many years of volunteer work in the community. She served as the treasurer of Keep Stockwell Beautiful, volunteered for St. Anne’s Parish as a companion helper to those in need, supported the building industry in the Builders Association of Greater Lafayette, and supporter of Dayton Summer Recreation, Wainwright Athletic Organization, and the Mccutcheon Band Boosters.  She had a kind, empathetic nature, and was always willing to help or be a genuine and supportive listener, often instilling some witty humor and contagious laughter along the way.  She was a wise and strong woman, making sure everything she was involved with was done thoughtfully and thoroughly, being of great value to those she worked alongside.

Ila was a faithful member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and faith was very important to her. Most thankfully, we celebrate her eternal life, where she hurts no more and her heart is complete. Thank you to all who added to her life, through relationship, love, support, and prayer.  Ila is preceded in death by her husband Raymond Patrick Dillon; mother, Minnie Carroll; brothers, Jake Mullens, Elwood Mullens, Cliff Mullens; grandson, James Foley; nephew, Brent Mullens; and niece, Stephanie Sharp Bronson. Surviving are her son, Terrance Dillon and daughter-in-law, Tina Dillon; daughter, Tamara Foley and son-in-law, Patrick Foley; grandchildren Casey Dillon (Keisha), Nick Dillon (Michelle), Steve Foley (Shelley), and Rick Foley (Hannah); great grandchildren Keon Dillon, Kiara Dillon, Cailix Dillon, Sebastian Dillon, Ryder Dillon, Kiefer Ekelund, Asra Foley, Nyah Foley, Elyana Foley, Katelynn Foley, Easton Foley, Rowan Foley, and Seiger Foley.  In addition, several nieces and nephews who referred to her as the “favorite aunt” and also many cousins and friends who loved her dearly.

Memorial contributions in Ila’s name may be made to “Keep Stockwell Beautiful”, P.O. Box 13
Stockwell, IN 47983 or to St. Matthew 25 Care and Share Soup Kitchen, 612 Wabash Ave., Lafayette, IN 47905.

Visitation will be from 12:00 pm until 3:00 pm, Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Soller-Baker, Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909, service to follow at 3:00pm. Fr. Dennis Faker officiating.

A graveside service will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Park, 1200 Sagamore Pkwy N., Lafayette, IN 47904.

There will be a funeral meal to follow at the home of Casey and Keisha Dillon.

Share memories and leave condolences at www.soller-baker.com