Ila Sass

Ila Sass, 88, of Fort Smith died February 6, 2018 in her home in Fort Smith. Ila was a loving wife and mother, a kind and compassionate friend and reflected her Savior Jesus Christ in her gentle and generous service to all.

She was born November 25, 1929 in Paris, AR to Clifton and Thelma Horne. She was a former business office supervisor with Southwestern Bell.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Al Sass. They married in 1955 and began a long legacy of love for family and the community that surrounded them. She is survived by her four daughters, Terry and husband Mike Morledge of Little Rock, Lisa Robinson of Van Buren, Tracy and husband Gary Keifer of Fort Smith, and Lori and husband Brian Poppe of Conway. She was known as “Ma-maw” to her eleven grandchildren, Joshua (Jennifer) Keifer, Sarah (Alex) Jimenez, Heather (Jason) Lapp, Claire (Heath) Thompson, Laura (Kendall) White, Molly (Tate) Barber, Aaron Robinson, Jacob Robinson, Caleb Poppe, Rachel Poppe, and Robert Poppe; and eleven great grandchildren.

Ila was a member of First United Methodist Church where she was involved in the Stephens Ministry program and the Gleaners Sunday School Class. She was a student of the Bible, attending Disciple and Bethel Bible Study. She was also a volunteer at Mercy Hospital. For decades, she spent Wednesdays with her sewing group, “The Knit Wits." Her life was centered on Jesus Christ which was evidenced in love for her home - starting with her husband, children, and friends, serving others in all that she did.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the loving care received from Carmen Thomas for the last four years. They would also like to thank Shelly and the staff from Area Agency on Aging Hospice.

Celebration of life will be 12:00 Noon Friday at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith both under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.