Ila Mae Dees Andersen (1928-2020)

Ila Mae Dees Andersen, 91, passed away Friday, March 27, 2020, in Ellsworth, Kan. She was born April 16, 1928 in Lorraine, Kan. to Kenneth and Neita (Mehl) Dees.

Ila graduated from Stephens College in Missouri with her degree in music, and moved to Denver. There, she met Alfred “Al” V. Andersen, and they married June 14, 1953.

Ila and Al raised their four children in the foothills of Morrison, Colo. on five acres of land with an old rock house they named Stone Hollow. They were active members of Evergreen Lutheran Church.

Ila was a musician and performed regularly with her dulcimer, including several years at Beaver Brook Lodge.  

In 2011, Ila and Al retired to Ellsworth. They were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wilson, Kan.  

Ila is survived by her son, Kurt Andersen (Jan) of Arvada, Colo.; son, Karl Andersen (Kristin) of Morrison, Colo.; daughter, Kara Stewart of Grover Beach, Calif.; daughter-in-law, Sharon Andersen of Golden, Colo.; grandchildren, Megan, Kayla, Jordan, Brianne, and Ellery; and great-grandchild, Cameron. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Al; son, Kris Andersen; and grandson, Justin Andersen. 

A memorial service will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ellsworth County Historical Society, in care of Parsons Funeral Home, PO Box 45, Ellsworth, Kan. 67439. 

Condolences may be left at parsonsfh.com