Grandma Ila was such a sweet, special person... with so much love to share and the desire to bring comfort to all, but especially to the overlooked. I can remember countless times being out with her and my mom doing errands, and she would always find a kid who looked like they needed someone to notice them, who looked like they needed some encouragement, and she'd end up sharing with them how much Jesus loves them, give them a mini bible, and even pray with them sometimes. As a kid, I felt embarrassed... we'd uncomfortably chuckle and say, 'Oh there goes Grandma again,' as I'd see her holding the child's hand facing them, down at their level talking to them, but I would always see them with a beaming smile by the end. I don't even know what words she'd share with them other than the fact that Jesus loved them, but for many kids, that was all they needed to hear. Someone's watching, someone sees you, and He loves you so much. It was a courageous step she'd take over and over to reach out to countless kids she didn't know, and what an honorable servant she was. As many of us remember, she dressed up as a clown on countless occasions too. It didn't even have to be a special event for her to dig out her costume and makeup. She'd do so for any random opportunity to brighten someone's day- even just to bring a smile to one person in need. She even did this when she lived in her nursing home- so, so precious. She had such a good sense of humor, always willing to laugh at herself in lighthearted ways. I think we all can remember her with happy tears in her eyes, her high pitched howling laughter... I especially remember this picture of her when thinking of her 80th birthday party and the silly skit about her being married so many times. Each time the young character playing her husband would come out with a name plate around his neck of the current last name for the wedding scene, crossing out the old last name, and by the end his name plate hung down to his knees for her final wedding. She loved to watch the home movie of this skit of her life over and over. Every time she visited, my mom would set her up to watch it in the living room, and she howled with laughter every. single. time. She'd be wiping her eyes and gasping for air she was laughing so hard... it was the cutest thing to witness and never got old for her or us. She was a precious lady. She never had much money, but she'd always find a way to bring joy to those around her. I remember she collected greeting cards, so that she could cut the half off that had been written in, and she'd glue colored paper to the remaining half and make it a new greeting card again. Every time she visited she brought each of us a card with sweet, encouraging words and a note, and there was always a stick of gum inside.... treasure to a grandchild. She always, always found a way to spread love and kindness. My mom loved her mom so much, and it was so sweet to see their relationship. There was so much compassion, respect, they had so much fun visiting and being together, and there was just a sweet mother daughter love that was an honor to witness and be in the midst of. The morning I found out Grandma had passed away, I was listening to worship music in headphones and God gave me the most beautiful image of people gathered along a beautiful pathway in heaven with God at the head of it, and the only face that stood out was my mom, with her carefree smile, chin raised high, beaming with love and joy, so comforted and honored to welcome her sweet, adored mom into heaven, and I was overwhelmed with love and gratitude for the welcoming home I know Grandma received, and the comfort and happiness her heart felt to see her sweet daughter Charlotte there with her loving God, surrounded by so much love and all the special hearts she'd been a part of... welcoming this faithful servant into her beautiful eternity. We love you Grandma Ila.

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Ila (Strong) Harmer

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OBITUARY

Ila Mae (Strong) Harmer

November 24, 1923 – September 20, 2017

Dopkins Funeral Chapel

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