Ila M. Eppright

Ila Marie (Henrikson) Eppright, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend to many died May 1, 2014.  Ila was born on November 12, 1925 in Concordia, KS to August and Ada Logan Henrikson.  She was their fourth child.  Ila grew up in Concordia, KS.  Ila graduated from high school in Manhattan, KS in 1943.  Her beloved father, August, died in 1946.  In 1950 Ila received her B.S.W. from Kansas State University and then practiced Social Work.  Ila married the love of her life, Charles S. Eppright, DVM, a WW II veteran, on February 3, 1952.  Dr. Eppright practiced in Warrensburg and Tipton before settling in Versailles.  Throughout his years of practicing veterinary medicine, Ila was his loving and dedicated partner working long hours with him in-clinic.   Ila and Dr. Eppright became the proud parents of: Frank Douglas Eppright (an accomplished attorney who died in 2012) (Elaine), Lenexa, KS; Dr. Thomas David Eppright, MD (a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist) (Janice), Shaker Heights, OH; Patti Kay (Eppright) Schehr (a gifted teacher who died in 2013) (Judge Kevin Schehr), Versailles, MO; and Martha Ann (Eppright) Roussin (a hard-working and successful entrepreneur) (Charles "Chuck"), Boynton Beach, FL.   Ila survived her cherished husband, Charlie, who died on September 23, 1968.  She also survived her parents and her dear sister, Velma Leola Henrikson, who died in 1934 at age twenty from a sudden illness.   Ila's wonderful brothers also pre-deceased her.  Merle Logan Henrikson, DVM, died in September, 1990 and Keith Donald Henrikson, DVM, died in November, 2009.  Ila is survived by many terrific nieces and nephews and by   sister-in-law and friend, Kelly Henrikson, Keith’s widow.  Ila prized education.  Her mother, Ada Henrikson, taught in a one-room school in Republic County, KS.   Although widowed at age 42, Ila's hard work made it possible for her children to follow their dreams and graduate from colleges and professional schools.  For many years after her husband's death, Ila worked for Wini McBroom, owner of Wini's Fashions, in Versailles and Laurie.  Ila knew what colors and styles became her many customers.  Countless women relied on her impeccable taste and suggestions to choose clothes that made them feel and look good.  Ila had many great friends.  Theirs was a mutual admiration and support society spanning more than sixty years. Ila's bridge buddies will miss her gentle presence at their tables.   Ila was a beautiful woman and was frequently told she resembled Ava Gardner.  Ila loved Jeopardy! and calling her while it was being broadcast was simply not done.  She crocheted many beautiful afghans and stitched intricate needlepoint designs.  She loved solving crossword puzzles.  She followed many sports; but, K-State and MIZZOU teams were her avocations.  She loved sweets and ice cream and dining at Lehman's with her visitors.  Ila endured tremendous losses during her life.  But, she rejoiced in the great gifts she was given.  She deeply loved her grandchildren: Caroline and Melanie Eppright and Libby (Eppright) Stone (Kevin) and Ila Stone, her great-granddaughter and namesake; Margaret and Charlie Eppright; Mallory (Schehr) Hutchison, DVM (Seth); and Charlie and Katie Roussin.   The family's deep thanks go out to Ila's many friends, supporters and caregivers.  Our special heroes are: Ila's steadfast granddaughter, Mallory and her husband Seth; and Mallory's parents, Kevin Schehr and his wife, Patti (who passed away in 2013).  Despite living their own busy lives, they were devoted to keeping Ila company and making sure she was well and enjoyed life.  They made every other family member's peace of mind possible.  The visitation will be Friday, May 9, 2014 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home, 210 East Jasper Street, Versailles, MO.  Ila's funeral service will be at the Versailles United Methodist Church, 210 North Monroe Street, Versailles, MO at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2014 with burial immediately following in the Versailles Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Church or the Patti K. Schehr Benevolence Fund for the Morgan County R-II Elementary School in Versailles.  We love you Ila, Mom, Grandma Ila and Mimi.  We will never forget you. You fought the good fight.  You finished the race.  You kept the faith.  We are so happy you have finally been reunited in Heaven with your beloved Charlie and your loving children, parents, siblings and friends.

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