Ila Pauline Crews, 94, passed away at Ellinwood District Hospital in Ellinwood, KS on Jan. 12th, 2022. Born in rural Shubert, NE on Aug. 19, 1927 she was the daughter of LeRoy Thomas & Goldie Elizabeth (Bodle) Vice. Ila graduated from Shubert High School in 1945. She earned a Diploma from the Electronic Radio-Television Institute and Western Union School in 1946. She married Edward Eugene Crews on Mar. 21, 1947 at Humbolt, NE. Ila worked as an office manager and later inside sales rep. for Sealright Co. in Kansas City, KS for 35 years. Ila was a resident of Ellinwood since 1994 formerly of Kansas City, KS and Sunrise Beach, MO. Ila and Eugene also lived at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri in the lake home that they built together for 7 years after retirement. They moved to Ellinwood to be close to family.
Pauline was known for her hard work ethic. She was always by Gene’s side building, repairing, trimming or mowing. After Gene’s passing, she still did her own yard and repairs, if possible, well into her 80’s. She enjoyed crocheting and stain glass. Most of all she will be remembered as the ornery and loving, coffee-drinking Grandma.
Survivors include daughter, Carol Frees (Jerry), Raymond, KS; grandchildren, Lacy Frees Draznik (Matt), Austin Frees (Shelbi); great-grandchildren, Van and Stevie Draznik, Madilyn, Ila, and Jaylyn Frees; and many beloved nieces and family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Crews, siblings Burton Vice, Edward Vice, Delores DeJonge, brother-in-law Lee DeJonge, sister-in-law Myrtle Vice and Nephew Kent Vice.
Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be scheduled at a later date with Minnis Chapel in Ellinwood. Memorials are suggested to Ellinwood Hospital Foundation (new hospital project), or Immanuel United Church of Christ in Ellinwood in care of Minnis Chapel PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.