Dr. Ila Ruth Mahr

Dr. Ila Ruth Mahr, age 84, of Alta, Iowa died December 27, 2011 at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake. Ila Ruth Mahr, the daughter of Harry and Ruth (Parker) Mahr, was born in Giltner, Nebraska on February 24, 1927. She received her early childhood education in Hamilton and Dawson counties in Nebraska. When Ila was a teenager, she moved with her family to Aurora, Illinois where she graduated from East High School in 1944. Ila continued her higher education at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee where she received her Bachelorâ€™s Degree in English. Following her college graduation, Ila worked as a secretary for five years at Bryan College. She then moved to Dekalb County, Georgia which is a suburb of Atlanta, where she was a teacher for five years. Ila then attended Emery University in Atlanta and achieved her Masterâ€™s Degree in Reading. She returned to the classroom for five years and then pursued her Doctorate Degree in Psychology. Upon completion of her doctoral program, she was a school psychologist in DeKalb County. Ila retired to Snellville, Georgia in 1988 after completing her career in education. During her retirement years, Ila availed herself of the opportunity to do various types of volunteer work at schools, in the church, and for the Wycliffe Bible Translators. In 2001, Ila moved to Alta to continue her retirement and be closer to her family. Ila was a devoted member of the Summit Evangelical Free Church in Alta where she participated in Womensâ€™ Bible Studies, small group Bible Studies, prayer teams, and actively supported the youth of the church. She was an avid reader and also enjoyed hiking, observing birds and wildflowers, and doing needlework. Ila was a world traveler having made two trips to England, two trips to the Peoples Republic of China, along with trips to Scotland and Brazil. All of those who knew Ila, were impacted by her humble, deep and abiding faith and her desire to grow daily in her walk with the Lord. She had a special place in her heart for those that served as missionaries and she was a prayer warrior for many who were on the mission field. Those who will always remember and cherish Ilaâ€™s life are her brother, Steve (Gloria) Mahr of Homer Glen, Illinois; sister: Arlene (Gary) France of Oxford, Nebraska; 29 nieces and nephews; along with many great nieces and nephews; great great nieces and nephews; other extended family and many beloved friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Donald Allen, Clair Pershing, Weldon Emerson, Jerry Alden, and Aaron Roger; two sisters: Hazel May â€œKatieâ€ Maxwell and Rosalee Spahr. Ila attributed the longevity of her life to the grace that the Lord extended to her. Her desire was to have His name to be lifted high.

Dr. Ila Ruth Mahr

February 24, 1927 - December 27, 2011