Ila Lorene Lowry, age 93, of Deer Park, TX passed peacefully on August 14, 2022 after a long battle with dementia. She was born on May 21, 1929 in Weldon, TX and also grew up in Pine Prairie, TX as part of a large family. She and her twin sister, Lila, were the youngest of 9 children. After her mother, Iva, passed when she was 3 years old, the family grew again, when her father, Jim Duke, married Vera and they added 8 more siblings and 2 step siblings. She shared many stories of her time as the daughter of a prison guard. She lived in prison housing, often had her hair cut at the prison, and she rode to school on a mule-led wagon. She married when she was 18 and raised her family in Huntsville, TX before settling in Deer Park to be closer to her children and grandchildren in 1998.
She was a lover of sports, whether it was herself playing volleyball or anyone in the family playing any sport, she was there for it all. She was also known to adopt all the kids on a team as her own. And when none of the family was playing sports, you could find her watching the Astros, cheering for Jose Altuve, and complaining they just wouldn’t listen to her despite her staying up late to catch the end of every game.
She was always blessed with great friends who met for coffee, margaritas, penuckle, and her favorite, dancing. She loved a good waltz and would two step the night away with her friends and family. She would often take her grandchildren with her as well to share her love of dancing.
Those who knew her were thankful for her baking skills. She worked at Master Chemical catering sweets for many years but she was never paid for most of her creations. It was just how she showed her love and gratitude. She was always baking something and giving it to her family, friends, and anyone she met. She made the best meringue pies, pecan pies, coconut cakes, and candy. Her grandkids and great-grandkids will always remember Mema’s cookies and cinnamon rolls. Because one cannot live on sugar alone, she was also famous for her chicken and dumplings and homemade yeast rolls.
Supported by her big, close family and wonderful friends, she lived a spectacular 93 years and will be greatly missed.
Ila is survived by her two children Freddie (Margaret) Laskie and Deborah Clark, four grandchildren: Brian (Stephanie) Laskie, Kristy (Jason) Tronson, Britt (Kara) Clark, Kyle Clark, six great-grandchildren: Hayden Tronson, Camden Laskie, Cooper Laskie, Blake Tronson, Chloe Laskie, and Lincoln Clark. Also six siblings: Benny Duke, Herbert Duke, Sammy Duke, Don Duke, Mike Duke, Peggy Reynolds, and Patsy Countryman, and many more nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
The family would like to express appreciation for the love and care shown by the staff of The Reserve at Pasadena in partnership of her care at the end of her life.
Visitation for Ila will be held Thursday, August 25, 2022 from 1:00PM to 2:00PM with a Celebration of Ila's life beginning at 2:00PM in the Chapel of Grand View Funeral Home, 8501 Spencer Highway, Pasadena, Texas 77505. Immediately following she will be laid to rest at Grand View Memorial Park.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grandviewfunerals.com for Ila Lowry's family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17