Foote, Ila July 14, 1931 - March 20, 2020

Ila Lee Foote was born July 14, 1931, to Emil Charles and Lula Teeter Novak on Haddam, Kansas.  She passed away at Citizens Memorial Hospital, Bolivar, Missouri on March 20, 2020 after a short illness.

The third of seven children, Ila grew up in a rough and tumbling family of children who lived life to the fullest.  She graduated from Haddam High School in 1949 and began working at the telephone office in this small town.  Soon afterward Ila met her life’s partner, C.L. Foote, and on July 22, 1950, they married and began their life together; and together they were.  C.L. and Ila then began criss-crossing the United States with survey crews, including C.L.’s work in Alaska, until 1957.

It was at this time that they returned to St. Clair County where C.L. began farming and later owned and operated Foote Fertilizer as well as Foote Trash Service.  Ila was always by C.L.’s side; her special place was on the pickup seat beside him as they traveled the backroads of Missouri and Kansas, looking for that special something that C.L. had in mind.  She loved the Royals. Playing pitch and having a good time.

Ila’s brothers and sisters were dearest friends, and the youngest were like children to her.  Her eyes and ears lit up when they called or visited, as they did when C.L.’s nieces and nephews called, visited, or sent cards telling Ila what was happening in their lives.

Preceding Ila in death was her husband, C.L.; her parents; her sister, Donna Collins and husband Shirley; her brother, Jim Novak and wife Ona; brother-in-law Jerry Morgan; C.L.’s brothers Ed and Bill, sister Betty Freeman Jewell.

She is survived by her sister, Peggy Mitchell and husband Bob; her brothers, Charles and wife Jean; Bus and wife Linda; and Dan and wife Barbara; loving nephews and nieces, and many friends.  Special to Ila these past years were her devoted caregivers, Wendy Surber and Rella Vaughn.

C.L. and Ila opened their hearts and their home to countless family, including cousins, nieces and nephews.  Her warmth, humor, and example will never be forgotten.