Ilamae Randall

Some view being a mother to be routine work with little reward, but nothing could be further from the truth when it came to Ilamae Randall as she viewed her role as a mother to be both her highest calling and her greatest blessing. Although she treasured being a mother, she just may have argued that being a grandmother was her sweetest blessing. Guided by an unwavering faith throughout her life, Ilamaes journey exemplifies what it means to be a servant of the Lord she loved. A gracious and kindhearted woman, she made it seem effortless to put the needs of those around her ahead of her own. Life will never be the same without her here, but the timeless legacy that she leaves behind will be carried on by those who follow her. Nearly a century has passed since we welcomed in the exciting decade of the Roaring Twenties. The official end of WWI in 1919 left us recognized as a world leader for the first time, and we did not disappoint as we led the way in innovation with the development of the washing machine and refrigerator in addition to the implementation of the assembly line, which made cars more affordable for the average American. It was during this colorful time that a young couple from Saginaw, Michigan, was delighted to announce the birth of their healthy baby girl on September 15, 1921. Ilamae was the oldest of three children born to her parents, Benjamin and Jennie (Histed) Green, and she was raised in the family home alongside her siblings, Meryl and Lyle. Her father had been severely wounded during WWI. During the Great Depression of the 1930s, the Green family moved to a farm in Wheeler, Michigan, to survive the harsh economic times. Everyone in the family was responsible for helping with a portion of the farm chores, instilling within Ilamae a strong work ethic. She attended Lafayette Elementary followed by Breckenridge High School. New and exciting changes were in store for Ilamae as a young woman when she met the young man with whom she would share a lifetime of love. His name was Eugene Randall, and they met in a rather unlikely way as he was dating her sister at the time. There was an attraction between Ilamae and Gene that couldnt be denied, and they later went out to the movies for their first date, taking in Gone With the Wind. Their relationship became a long distance one when he was called to serve during WWII. During that time they corresponded through letters, further deepening their love. Gene was severely wounded in France during the war and returned home. The sweethearts were married on January 14, 1945, in Rathbone Methodist Church. The young groom went to college in Mt. Pleasant on the GI Bill, and the couple soon welcomed two children into their hearts and home, Susan and then Bill. The family of four moved to Ithaca some time later. Spending time as a family was something they all cherished no matter what they were doing. There were fun-filled vacations to the Upper Peninsula or over to Wisconsin on the Clipper. Holidays were also a memorable time as the family gathered to celebrate in Gratiot County. Both Ilamae and Gene were content in whatever life brought and passed this same spirit of contentment onto their children as well. As a lifelong Christian, Ilamae chose her steps based on the beliefs that were engraved upon her heart. She passed her faith onto her children and was forever looking to serve others behind the scenes. Ilamae was very involved with her church in Spring Lake including in their womens fellowship group. While spending their winters in Haines City, Florida, near Orlando, she also enjoyed being part of a church. Over the years Ilamae enriched her life in numerous ways. She enjoyed the lakeside lifestyle while living on Spring Lake throughout much of her life, and she developed wonderful lifelong friendships in Fruitport. Some of Ilamaes favorite vacations were along the East Coast, and in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary she and Gene took an amazing cruise on the Big Red Boat with their family. When relaxing she could often be found reading, and she also enjoyed keeping up with politics. Later in life Ilamae experienced both peaks and valleys along the way. She was filled with unspeakable joy to await the arrival of her first grandchild, and she was absolutely delighted with Genas birth. Gena was later followed by three more grandchildren, Sarah, Ben, and Julia. Ilamae was always very close with all her grandchildren and a special part of their lives. In 2008 Ilamae was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved Gene. Although she was devastated to be without him, she drew strength from her faith and the love of her family. As she needed more care, Ilamae moved to Fountain View Assisted Living in Coopersville, Michigan. She was thrilled beyond measure with the birth of her first great-grandchild, Payton. Ilamaes family appreciated her fantastic cooking skills with her baked beans being a family favorite. In everything she did throughout her rich and rewarding life, Ilamae Randalls primary focus was on loving and caring for her family. With a lifelong nurturing spirit, she also tenderly cared for her parents until their deaths. Described as devoted, generous, and fun, Ilamae was such a blessing, and she had a way of making others feel at ease. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, she created a brilliantly colored tapestry of memories that will be a lasting treasure in the lives of her friends and loved ones. Ilamae Randall died on Wednesday, April 30, 2014. Ilamaes family includes her son, William (Diana) Randall of IN; daughter, Susan Shukis of Coopersville; grandchildren, Gena, Julia, Sarah, and Ben; great-grandchild, Payton; sister, Meryl Pickett of AZ; several nieces and nephews. Ilamae was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene, and brother, Lyle Green. Services will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2014, 1:30 p.m. at Fruitport Congregational United Church of Christ with Rev. Donald Wood officiating. Interment at Ridgelawn Cemetery. Visit with Ilamaes family and friends on Friday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Fruitport Congregational United Church of Christ and Saturday, one hour prior to the service. Memorials can be made to Fruitport Congregational UCC.