Ellen Irene (Leaf) Ikola
July 20, 1916 — January 16, 2016
Ellen Irene Ikola was born in Lakefork Idaho on July 20, 1916. She passed away on January 16, 2016 in McCall Idaho. She attended grammar school in Norwood and high school in Donnelly Idaho, graduating Valedictorian in 1934. She worked at the C.C. Anderson Store and later for the U.S. Post Office in McCall. She and M. George Ikola were married in 1938, both working for Brown Tie and Lumber. Their only son, Gerry Lee, was born in October 1947. Soon after, they moved to Horseshoe Bend where George and his brother Elmer started Ikola Logging. They lived there for 9 years making lifelong friends and many cherished memories. In 1956 they returned to McCall where Ikola Logging continued to operate to this day. Ellen was the primary bookkeeper for Ikola Logging for 68 years beginning in 1956.
Ellen was a dedicated member of numerous organizations. She was a Charter Member of the local chapter of Daughters of the Nile, and very active member of Finnish Ladies Aid for most of her adult life. She perhaps most enjoyed her membership in the Valeria Chapter of Eastern Stars in McCall, where she was Worthy Matron in 1965. She loved traveling to Idaho Grand Chapter once a year throughout the state, holding many Grand Chapter offices for many years.
Ellen took great pride in Gerry’s and her grandchildren’s many activities and accomplishments. She and George especially enjoyed basketball games, but also attended baseball games, motorcycle races, track meets and football games.
She will be missed by all who knew her, but more significantly by fellow members of Eastern Star, Finnish Ladies Aid, the McCall Senior Center and the McCall Congregational Church. The greatest void, of course, will be left in the lives of her loving family and close relatives.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents Andrew Leaf and Mary Karki, siblings Bill Leaf, Edna Ruska, Lillian McDougal, Ralph Leaf, Acel Leaf and Mary Johnson and her husband George. She is survived by her son Gerry Lee Ikola (Capella), grandchildren Erika Sussi (Jordan), Gerry Andrew Ikola (Rachael) and Gabe Ikola and great grandchildren Erika Faith Ikola, Andrew Ikola and Lordes Sussi.
A memorial service will be held at the McCall Congregational Church at 2:00 pm, on Saturday, January 23, 2016. Graveside services will follow at the Finnish Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Heikkila Funeral Chapel in McCall, Idaho. A reception in celebration of Ellen’s life will begin at 3:00 pm at the McCall Senior Center.
Ellen was a dedicated member of numerous organizations. She was a Charter Member of the local chapter of Daughters of the Nile, and very active member of Finnish Ladies Aid for most of her adult life. She perhaps most enjoyed her membership in the Valeria Chapter of Eastern Stars in McCall, where she was Worthy Matron in 1965. She loved traveling to Idaho Grand Chapter once a year throughout the state, holding many Grand Chapter offices for many years.
Ellen took great pride in Gerry’s and her grandchildren’s many activities and accomplishments. She and George especially enjoyed basketball games, but also attended baseball games, motorcycle races, track meets and football games.
She will be missed by all who knew her, but more significantly by fellow members of Eastern Star, Finnish Ladies Aid, the McCall Senior Center and the McCall Congregational Church. The greatest void, of course, will be left in the lives of her loving family and close relatives.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents Andrew Leaf and Mary Karki, siblings Bill Leaf, Edna Ruska, Lillian McDougal, Ralph Leaf, Acel Leaf and Mary Johnson and her husband George. She is survived by her son Gerry Lee Ikola (Capella), grandchildren Erika Sussi (Jordan), Gerry Andrew Ikola (Rachael) and Gabe Ikola and great grandchildren Erika Faith Ikola, Andrew Ikola and Lordes Sussi.
A memorial service will be held at the McCall Congregational Church at 2:00 pm, on Saturday, January 23, 2016. Graveside services will follow at the Finnish Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Heikkila Funeral Chapel in McCall, Idaho. A reception in celebration of Ellen’s life will begin at 3:00 pm at the McCall Senior Center.
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