Ila M. Ellison was born May 23, 1922 in Oklahoma to Bertha (Wyrick) and Walter Rowland. She came to Merced California at the age of 16, in 1938 with her parents. She married James L. Smith and they had three children, and then widowed. She later married A.C. Ellison, who preceded her in death in 1981. Ila is survived by her children; James Smith of Shafter, Sheri Smith of Merced and Carol West and husband Otis of Edmunds, WA; nine grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. A graveside service was held for Ida M. Ellison, age 86, who died on October 24, 2008 in Bakersfield CA at Shafter Memorial Park, Shafter CA.