Ila Marie (Meginness) Aldren was born January 24, 1941, in Eagle Butte, SD, to Ed & Ione Meginness. She married Richard Aldren, Sr. June 9, 1959. They raised 1 son and 3 daughters in Rapid City, SD, where she and her husband ranched for many years until his death. During this time, she also gained an Associate in Business. Upon retiring, she split her time between Rapid City and Wichita, KS.

Ila embraced being a wife and mother as well as rejoiced in the joys of a grandmother. She encouraged family traditions that centered on get-togethers, storytelling and laughter, surrounded by food enjoyed, that will continue for generations to come.

She was also always available to patiently teach the art of baking, which lead to the gathering of all interested for the yearly (infamous) "Christmas Cookie Chaos Day." As spring approached, Ila's enthusiasm would then turn to gardening, in which she would proclaim she wasn't planting any more flowers and invariably, always did. Moreover, Ila's pride in her children and grandchildren was always in the forefront. If possible, she attended any and all school/sport events including horse shows as well as gave praise for achievements, big or small.

This willingness to enjoy life's daily pleasures was admired. Her belief the world is simply a nicer place if you greet and are friendly to those people around you, whether a store clerk or next-door neighbor. It was a practice that had a ripple effect and, more often than not, was passed forward.

As retirement evolved, Ila found later in life a vocation that was close to her heart. She became an advocate for any stray cat that needed a home and care. During the last several years, Ila lived in the "cutest" home in Maize, KS, where she spent time doing all she enjoyed including sitting by the fireplace, reading a good book and allowing the cats vye for affection and lap-time.

Additionally, her home became the haven for family and friends to enjoy coffee, conversation as well as her front porch was the perfect spot to watch the world go by.

In celebrating Ila's life, which was marked by happiness, sadness and adversities, it is (above all) the love she gave and the love for her that is remembered and will endure.

On October 21, 2017, Ila died at her home after a short illness.

She is survived by her son, Richard Olaf Aldren, Jr.; daughters, Lynn Aldren-Owens, Shawn Aldren-Wilke, and Meredith Aldren-Cutler; sister, Ethel Swanson; and 5 grandchildren, Justin Rollins, Justene Wilke, Nicholas Owens, Morgan Owens, and Terra Cutler.

Ila was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Olaf Aldren, Sr.; parents, Ed Meginness and Ione Meginness; sister, Addie Mae Koester; brother, Bert Meginness; and grandson, Eric Owens.

Should family or friends desire, contributions may be donated to the following website: Morris Animal Foundation.org.

Visitation will be one hour prior to services with a prayer at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Graveside services will be Saturday, October 28, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis with Pastor Denzel Nonhof officiating.