Ilene M. Pillsbury, 84, St. Joseph, passed away Monday, February 6, 2023.
She was born on March 1, 1938, to Arthur Christian and Helen Margaret (Sidor) Theise in Chicago, Illinois.
She obtained her associate degree from Joliet Junior College. On July 21, 1956, she married James “Jim” Pillsbury. They shared 66 wonderful years together. Ilene worked for St. Dominick’s Church as a bookkeeper and secretary for fifteen years until her retirement. After moving to St. Joseph in 1977, Ilene was a member of the Fellowship Bible Church and regularly attended prayer meetings and bible study.
Ilene enjoyed baking, reading, crocheting, sewing, walking and gardening. In earlier years, she loved to go camping and square dancing.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Survivors include her husband; children, Debbi Kogler (Tim), Diane Brown, Chris Pillsbury, Jamie Pillsbury (Erin), and Julie Ryan (Collin); siblings, Diane Theise and Peggy Lathrop; grandchildren, Kristen Inman (Brian), Angela Kogler, Aaron Brown, Eli Pillsbury (McKinsey), Karly Jo, Tabitha Rowland, Emma Fox (Bill), Allison Ryan and Casey Ryan; and great-grandchildren, Lucas Inman, Victoria Inman and Lyla Fox.
Cremation under the direction of Simplify Cremations & Funerals. Online guest book and obituary at www.simplifyfunerals.com.