Ila Ilene Robertson Ray, age 101, passed away on August 28, 2024. Ila was born to Frank and Tressie Robertson, going to country school and then high school in Oberlin. After high school, she went to business school and then moved to Denver, during World War II, working as a bookkeeper for the railroad. One night in Denver, she went out with her cousin and friends. He said “bring a couple of gals!” which she did. That night each girl met their future husband. Ila met Miles who was a pilot in the Air Force. After the war, they were married and Miles schooled in watchmaking. They apprenticed in Brush, Colorado and then moved to Oberlin and opened Ray Jewelry. Ila and Miles had three daughters which all survive her. Vicky of Oberlin, Karen of Littleton, CO, and Marla of Sanibel, FL.
Ila was very active in her community as a founding member of the Pi Alpha club and the Oberlin Golf Club. She played pinochle and bridge and bowled on a team. She also loved to travel and had been to most continents with her husband and sister.
She is survived by her 3 daughters, her 4 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Miles, and her parents, sister Velva Jean and 2 brothers Archie and Merlyn.
Ila wished to be buried next to her husband in Oberlin cemetery. The daughters and extended family will have a private burial. Memorial contributions may be made out to the Oberlin Public Library. Condolences can be left at www.plumergobber.com.