Ila Elaine Ecton Cluff, wonderful Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, passed from this life on October 15, 2009 surrounded by her devoted husband and family. Her sweet demeanor, caring personality and infectious smile will be missed by all who knew her. Ila was born November 13, 1929 in Murray, UT to Jesse V. and Geneva Anderson Ecton and grew up in Wendover, UT. She attended school in Grantsville where she graduated from Grantsville High School. She met and fell in love with Owen L. Cluff while attending BYU. They were married March 20, 1950 and chose Ibapah, UT for their honeymoon as, during their engagement, they were called to serve a mission to the Goshute Indians. This was their first calling in what became a lifetime of service, culminating in two beloved missions after retirement- the first in Yugoslavia and the second in Zimbabwe. Few who met Mom escaped without hearing about their missions. She set the perfect example and left a compelling legacy. Ila and Owen are the cherished parents of Debora (Phil) Smart, Scott (Carol) Cluff, Connie (Jim) Willes and David (Susan) Cluff. They are the proud grandparents of 25 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren (and, as Mom would say, "more on the way"). She lived a life of devotion to her husband, her family and her faith. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, son-in-law Kenneth Sagers and infant granddaughters Heidi and Rebecca Cluff. Mom's greatest joys in life were her husband, children and grandchildren. Along the way she became an accomplished artist, an inspired leader, and the perfect sleepover buddy for all her grandkids. She kept an immaculate house and loved to cook. Her home was her castle and anyone who entered was touched by the spirit of her home and her unique brand of hospitality. A viewing will be held Sunday, October 18, 2009 from 6-8pm at Tate Mortuary in Tooele. Services will be held in the Lake Point Ward Chapel on Monday, October 19, 2009 with a viewing from 10-10:45am and the funeral at 11am. The family would like to express their gratitude to all who helped care for Mom in her final days, especially her doctors, aides and the ladies from hospice.

Tooele Transcript Bulletin