Obituary

With profound sadness we announce the passing of Ila Mae Lowe, 91, of Kansas City, MO, formerly of Washburn, AR. Ila left this world Wednesday, June 23, 2021, to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Ila was a much-loved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister.

Ila was born in Booneville, AR. She was a member of Pine Log Church of Booneville, AR. She was preceded in death by her husband Billy Joe, parents Jess and Nellie Collins, a brother Keith Collins and beloved niece Jessica Boroughs.

She is survived by her daughter Brenda and husband Rodney, Granddaughter Betsy and husband Ryan and four great grandchildren Nathan, Andrew, Lily & Caroline. One sister Rhonda and husband Bill. Many nieces and nephews who loved her very much. And her cat, Elsa.

Ila was an accomplished seamstress and was highly skilled with crochet hooks. Many family and friends had at least one of her afghans. She was always a farm girl at heart and a great cook, especially her liver and onions and poke salad. She was well known for her hospitality; everyone knew at her house they were special.

She loved birds and always make sure her bird feeders were full.

Ila was an avid reader, her favorite author being James Patterson and waited with great anticipation for his latest book.

She loved watching old episodes of Bonanza and The Big Valley. Also, The Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and had strong opinions of who should replace Alex Trebek.

She was passionate about her granddaughter and great grandchildren. She loved for them to read to her as they were learning to read. She loved to cook mashed potatoes and gravy for them. Her grandchildren always said, “Gram gives the best gifts”.

Ila spent all her life in Arkansas mostly in the Washburn/Milltown area. In 2017 she moved to Kansas City, MO to live with her daughter and husband and to be near her granddaughter and great grandchildren, but her heart never left Arkansas.

Celebration of Life Service will be 10:00 am, Wednesday June 30 at Pine Log Church with burial following at Pine Log Cemetery. Viewing will be Tuesday, June 29 from 1 – 7 p.m. at the funeral Home where family will visit with friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Funeral services under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pine Log Cemetery Association.