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Royce Ammon uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
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[The following is offered by Royce, one of Ilene’s cousins from Nebraska]
I am so very grateful that Ilene is now pain and cancer-free; Praise God!!
God IS the Great Physician – whether in His Absolute Sovereignty He chooses to heal in this life, or in the next life . . . and, in the case of my dear departed cousin, Ilene, He has chosen to heal her in the next life.
I have ONLY the fondest of memories of my dear cousin, Ilene – most importantly, I remember her enduring authenticity.
In an era where authenticity as a central character trait has become ever-increasingly noticeable by its absence, Ilene was always who she "is" – to her GREAT CREDIT, God Bless her!! The old southern preacher had it just about right when he said, "Be who you is; cuz if'n you ain't who you is, then you is who you ain't" LOL . In my memory, Ilene was always who she "is."
The extent to which Ilene was who she “is” was manifestly apparent when she attended the 2013 celebration of life service for my father in Nebraska. At my dad’s service, I was blessed to be able to bring the message – a message which emphasized the criticality of "legacy" in the lives of each one of us. We are all in the process of building a legacy one day at a time; the only question that remains is this: "WHAT legacy am I building??"
Ilene travelled alone to Nebraska for my dad’s celebration of life service. Following my dad’s service – and once Ilene was on the road for home – she called me from her cell phone. During the ensuing conversation, we enjoyed a very long and Blessed exchange about the criticality of legacy in the lives of each one of us. In Ilene's wonderfully winsome authenticity, she especially wanted to converse about her own personal legacy, and whether it would measure up to the Biblical standards thereof.
Indeed, authenticity is one of the central elements of a Biblical legacy – and during my 62 conscious years of knowing Ilene, she was always who she “is.” I was born in 1954 and am currently age 67. My first conscious memory of Ilene was when she and her family visited our family at our Nebraska ranch in 1959 – a visit during which Ilene's picture was taken riding our family's favorite horse, Blondie (per the photo accompanying this message).
Ultimately, ALL that I know of Ilene during my 62 years of conscious memory of her confirms that she LIVED and LEFT a legacy for her family that is marked by many, Many, MANY COMMENDABLE character traits – ESPECIALLY her legacy of authenticity!!
During these very challenging days following Ilene’s Home Going, my thoughts and prayers are with Aunt Sarah and Ilene’s family. I am particularly praying for Aunt Sarah during these challenging days as, yet again, she has been called upon to do the single, most difficult thing that any parent could ever be called upon to do: having to bury a child; God Bless Aunt Sarah, as she has now had to bury three of her children . . . .
My heart also goes out to Ilene’s two boys, Rob and Jared; I love you and I am praying for you in the loss of your mom. Rob and Jared, it was SUCH a blessing to get to know you when you accompanied your mom to visit our family while we were vacationing in Estes Park during Christmas of 1991. INDEED, men, yet to this day – now three decades on – I still treasure the AMAZING hike that we enjoyed together up McGregor Mountain; I shall do so forever, Rob and Jared!!
My love and prayers in Christ to all of Ilene’s family and friends,
Ilene’s cousin, Royce
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Michelle Crist posted a symbolic gesture
Monday, July 26, 2021
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Ilene will be greatly missed! She always brought so much fun and light to the Gwaltney family reunions. She was strong-willed and rested in her faith.
We are truly sorry for your loss and our prayers go out to each of you! Sending lots of love!
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Diane Giese posted a condolence
Saturday, July 24, 2021
Dear Rob and Jerad
I loved talking to your mom!!! We both prayed for a good Christian friend to come into our sons lives as they went to college……and God answered our prayers!!! Blessings and prayers to you
Rick and Diane Giese
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Tamara Gwaltney uploaded photo(s)
Friday, July 23, 2021
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Paula Ritz Smith Wirth lit a candle
Thursday, July 22, 2021
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I remember Ilene as a sweet, happy young teen, and I loved reconnecting with her at a couple of our Class of '69 Reunions, especially the one where I shared with her that I had active, Stage 4 cancer and had been fighting for years. We began sharing our stories, and she was a great source of strength to me. I am still fighting this insidious disease, after 12 years, largely due to Ilene's support and encouragement. I wish I had been able to physically be with her more, but I cherish the memories and thank God for sending me this wonderful friend. Rest in Peace, Ilene. I love you
Paula Ritz Smith Wirth
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Russ Barber lit a candle
Thursday, July 22, 2021
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I was fortunate to meet Ilene while having my vehicles serviced at Johnsons Auto Plaza. Ilene was always so kind and helpful. She will be missed by many.
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Robert E. Murray posted a condolence
Thursday, July 22, 2021
Ilene was a loving and caring Mom & Grandma. She was a good friend.
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Shelley Long posted a condolence
Thursday, July 22, 2021
What a bright light she was to all of us, heaven shines that much more with her there. She was always such an encouragement, generously sharing kind and uplifting words at every opportunity. I especially loved chatting with her about her travels and the adventures of Nora the Cow. She has impacted our lives and she will be deeply missed. Love you Ilene!
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Tami Gwaltney lit a candle
Thursday, July 22, 2021
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Sending my deepest sympathy and love to all of Ilene’s dear family. She is a special soul and she touched so many people during her time on this earth. This picture of Ilene was with my father in law Dwight Gwaltney. It was taken at the celebration of life for my husband Mark Gwaltney in August 2017.
Ilene was precious and Heaven must be pleased to have added such a beautiful soul!
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The family of Ilene Kay Olsen uploaded a photo
Thursday, July 22, 2021
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The family of Ilene Kay Olsen uploaded a photo
Thursday, July 22, 2021
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The family of Ilene Kay Olsen uploaded a photo
Thursday, July 22, 2021
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