Ila V. Koester

October 10, 1926 - November 15, 2018

RIGA- Ila Virginia Koester, 92, passed away on Thursday, November 15, 2018, at Flower Hospital in Sylvania, Ohio. She was born on October 10, 1926, to George and Ida (Vershum) Jasmund in Riga. Ila attended school in Riga and was a 1943 graduate of Blissfield High School. She worked for Jipson-Carter State Bank (now Key Bank) in various roles and retired in 1983 as the branch manager. On December 7, 1946, Ila married Alfred Lidster and they shared over 17 years together before his passing on February 26, 1964. On June 3, 1981, Ila married Lawrence Koester. They were able to celebrate 26 years together before his death on March 28, 2008. Ila was an active member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Riga. She loved to sing and actively participated in the choir, was involved with the Women of ELCA, and was a charter member of the “Nimble Fingers” shawl ministry. She enjoyed spending time with her “out to lunch bunch” and at the Blissfield Senior Center. She was a member of the Senior Center’s Silvertones band and enjoyed luncheons at Hospice of Lenawee. Ila liked to crochet and play cards, especially Euchre, although “Pepper” was her favorite. She is survived by her children, Connie (William) Mansfield of Toledo, OH, Carol (Terry) Lidster-Gates of Blissfield; stepchildren, Sharon Ehlert and Merle Koester; step-daughter- in-law, Karen Koester; 6 grandchildren; 7 step-grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; 6 step-great-grandchildren; a great-great- grandson; and sister, Donna (Norman) Figy of Wesley Chapel, FL. Ila was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Alfred and Lawrence; sister, Norma Jasmund; step-son, Lynn Koester; and step-son-in-law, LaVerne Ehlert. Funeral services for Ila will take place at 2:00 pm, Sunday, November 18, 2018 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Riga with Dianna Raine officiating. Burial will follow at Riga Cemetery. Visitation for Ila will be held from 2:00-8:00 pm on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel, Blissfield and again on Sunday from 1:00 pm until the time of the service at the church. The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Lenawee or Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church in Riga. Online memories and condolences may be shared www.wagleyfuneralhomes.com.