Ilene Crum

On February 26, 1929, Herbert and Geraldine Sever were blessed with their fourth and last child (second daughter) whom they named Ilene Ann Sever. She was born in Valier, Montana. In December of her 6th year, Ilene’s family moved to San Bernardino, California where Geraldine’s parents lived. Esther, a neighbor, was the first friend Ilene made in California. A few years later she met and developed close friendships with Rosie and Jean. These women were lifetime friends with Ilene.

At an early age, Ilene attended a neighborhood church. She remembered the pastor stretching out his hands wide and telling the children that Jesus loves them this much and more. She never forgot that and always included that story as part of her testimony on when she first accepted Jesus as her Savior.

While attending San Bernardino High School, her brother Virgil introduced Ilene to her future husband, Wilson Crum. Wilson was almost 17 and Ilene was 15 when they met. A few months later, on Wilson’s 17th birthday, he enlisted in the US Navy. Wilson was stationed in San Diego. In his sailor's uniform, he would hitchhike home as many weekends as he could to see Ilene. Less than a year later, WW2 was over and Wilson was discharged and moved back to San Bernardino.

Before Ilene and Wilson were married, Ilene worked at Big Bear Creamery and Sages while Wilson worked for his dad, Carl Crum, and then Wilson & Fields. They saved enough money to purchase a one-fourth acre lot in the north end of San Bernardino and began to build their house. Since they wanted all the extra money they made to go into their house, they opted for a less expensive wedding. On June 19, 1947, they drove to Las Vegas with their friends, Rosie and Earl. The couples married at midnight. Ilene and Wilson then claimed June 19th and Rosie and Earl claimed June 20th as their anniversaries.

Soon after their marriage, two of the rooms of their house were completed, they were able to move in and make it their home. They continued to build their house room by room. During this time, three years after they were married, in May 1950, their daughter, Christina Ann Crum was born. Three and a half years later, in December 1953, their son, David Wilson Crum, was born, completing the family. Ilene enjoyed being a homemaker. She sewed clothes and costumes, planned camping trips and picnics. She baked unique birthday cakes and made Christmas and the other holidays special. She had a close relationship with both sides of the family. Her father-in-law, Carl Crum, built an apartment in the back of their house, shared meals with the family and soon became her very close friend.

Ilene and Wilson were able to travel and have the family visit often. Her life was filled with many memories with the extended family that Ilene & Wilson created when they were united: Ada & Clarence, Buddy & Susie, Virgil & Dee, Monroe & Neva, Melvina & Clarence, Doris & Al, Orill & Theresa, Norman & Barbara, Margie & Gailord, Carl, Orland, Barbara, Carol, Nancy, Pam, Tim, Dwayne, Sharon, Beverly, Rodney & Dee, Randy, Denis and Debbie. Darlene, Carol, Sandy, Lynn, Lynelle, Pam, Vickie, Dennis and Gina . Ilene's parents both lived long healthy lives. Geraldine, Ilene's mom lived to be 97. Ilene was privileged to care for her mom the last months of Geraldine's life.

In 1962, Wilson accepted a civilian transfer to McClellan AFB in North Highlands, CA. The family sold their home in San Bernardino and soon after bought the Citrus Heights home that Ilene lived in for 50 years. It was sad to leave San Bernardino, where both of their extended families lived. However, the move to Citrus Heights gave her new friends, a new church home, new adventures and interests. Plus Grandpa Crum moved to a mobile home less than a mile away.

Ilene's interest in ceramics started in the 1960’s. It was a craft she enjoyed along with her friends Dee Mason and Esther Frye. Her hobby eventually turned into a business she conducted out of her garage. When Wilson retired from the base in 1979, he became Ilene's first and only "unpaid" employee, helping with the pouring of the molds and some of the painting. They had 20 years working together in the business. Throughout the years, she slowed her business down but continued to hold two classes a week including the last week of her life. She was blessed with many customers that considered her a good friend. Some even thought of her as their mentor and some their second mother.

In July of 2000, Wilson passed away at the age of 73. Even though Ilene wished she would have had more years with her husband, she felt blessed to have the 53 years they had together. Ilene was very close with her children Christina and David. David remained close to home, visiting regularly, with daily phone calls. Besides regular phone calls, Christina was able to visit for a few weeks, three times a year until she retired in 2011. She then moved back home to Citrus Heights to live and help care for Ilene. Having David and Christina around gave Ilene support and comfort to live a strong life until her passing.

Ilene lived 85 blessed years. She is survived by her daughter, Christina; her son, David; her older sister, Ada Miller; her older brother, Clayton (Buddy) Sever; Granddaughters: Jennifer, Janice, and Jill; grandson-in-law Aaron, Nivar; Great grandchildren: Raquel, Jared, Aric, and Angel; her adopted family: Beth, Zeb, Jake and Emmily; Mary Anne and Pamela; 10 nephews, 13 nieces; their spouses and offspring. She also had numerous customers and friends, all of whom she held up in prayer every morning during her quiet time. Ilene was an early riser, using that quiet time to pray and study the Bible.

Ilene loved the LORD with all her heart, mind and soul. She is now in heaven with her family and friends that preceded her. It was her prayer that everyone, especially her family and friends, would know the love of Jesus and have God's peace that surpasses all human understanding.