Ila Hunt McKeehan Green was born in Nevada, Missouri June 29, 1910. She was the daughter of Elmer and Ella Hunt who preceded her in death. Her little brother, Earl is also with the Lord. Ila passed away November 13, 2009 at the Appleton City Manor, Appleton City, Missouri.
After school years in Nevada, she went to Kansas City where she attended business college and worked as a secretary and musician. In 1939 Merle McKeehan and Ila were married and went to Tucson, Arizona where he was stationed with the Army Air Corp. One daughter, Mariella, was born to this union in Tucson. Merle was shipped overseas immediately after their daughter’s birth and she returned to Kansas City with her daughter to be near family. During the years that Mariella was growing up, Ila was an accomplished musician, playing piano and organ at various venues in Kansas City, as well as composing music.
In 1962 Garber Green and Ila were married in Nevada. They lived on their farm near Collins, and also operated a drive-in restaurant known as “Green Acres” on Highway 54. Garber Green passed away in 1986.
Ila was a member of the Vista United Church from 1966, and played the organ for her last 14 years as an active member.
After suffering a stroke in 2000, she wanted to remain in Missouri, and moved from Collins to Appleton City, where, although she was no longer able to play the organ or piano, she delighted staff and residents with her pretty smile.
She is survived by her daughter, Mariella McKeehan Ross, one son in-law, Donald Ross of Newark, Delaware, and grandson Christopher Ross of Medford, New Jersey.
Leave a Reply