Ila Dell Despain

HEYBURN – Ila Dell Fairchild Despain slipped peacefully from this life on Tuesday, July 25, 2017, at her home in Heyburn, at the age of 91, with her loving children by her side.

She was born Ila Dell Fairchild, Dec. 13, 1925, in Burley, Idaho, the daughter of George Raymond Fairchild Sr. and Kate Uhrich. She was a graduate of Burley High School, the class of 1943. She married Robert Lee Despain on July 2, 1945, in American Falls, Idaho, which union was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple on July 2, 1964. Together they raised four children, Robert Jr., Kenneth (deceased), Patricia and Lori.

She was a lifelong, devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having served in many capacities throughout her life including, Relief Society, Young Women, Sunday School and Primary; and she and her husband, Bob also served in stake missionary capacity at the Burley, Idaho LDS Employment Resource Center.

Ila held various employments in the Mini-Cassia area, the longest being a clerk for the city of Heyburn, which she did for 25 years. She also worked at the Rainbow Ice Cream Parlor, Kings Department Store, the Playmore Skating Rink, the Y-Dell Ballroom and the Y-Dell Fruit Basket.

She was skilled in embroidery and she enjoyed bowling, dancing, dominoes, card games and reading. Above all, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She will be fondly thought of and dearly missed.

Ila is survived by three of her four children, Robert L. (Lynn) Despain Jr. of Heyburn, Patricia K. (Preston) Wilkinson of Boise, and Lori A. (Cory) Parish; daughter-in-law, Gina Despain of Rupert; sisters, Mae Thompson and Kathryn Stanger, both of Oakley; 12 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren; and ten great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Robert Lee Despain Sr.; her son, Kenneth Alan Despain; her parents; her infant sister, Amelia Irene Fairchild; her brother, George Raymond Fairchild Jr.; and great-grandchildren, Garrett Kenneth Lisonbee, Conner Wilkinson, and Ezra Hayes Parish.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, July 31, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Heyburn 1st Ward Chapel, located at 530 Villa Dr., in Heyburn, with Bishop Corwin Lewis officiating. Burial will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. preceding the service at the church.