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406-586-5298• Bozeman, Montana
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IN OUR CARE

 

Ilah Stevens

Ilah Stevens

1936-01-22 - 2009-06-17

Ilah Glee Lund Stevens passed away 17 June 2009 following a nine month battle with plaura mesothelioma (asbestos caused lung cancer), at the family home with her husband, Ron, and daughter, Leigh Webber by her side. Ilah was born 22 January 1936 in Cutbank, MT and spent her first eight years in Kevin, where her father, Connie Lund worked in the oil fields. Her family moved to Belt where she graduated from Belt Valley High School in 1954 and entered Rocky Mountain College in Billings that Fall. There she met her future husband, Ron Stevens, a Sergeant First Class, E6, in the Montana National Guard. They were engaged in 1955 and Ron entered active military service. Following basic training, he graduated from Field Artillery Officer's Candidate School on 16 October 1956. Five days later, they were married in the Belt Methodist Church. Their first posting was Fort Ord, CA where their daughter, Leigh Michelle, was born. This tour was followed by a three and a half-year assignment to Schofield Barracks, Hawaii where they observed statehood celebrations and their son, Jeffrey Lund was born. Throughout their service years, Ilah was active in Officers' Wives Clubs, concentrating on improving conditions for enlisted men's wives'. While raised a Christian, Ilah's devotion was spurred on to greater heights when she found her family stranded in Quetta, Pakistan in January 1970 when Ron was unexpectedly evacuated with hepatitis. Getting herself, the two children and all household goods back to the United States to be reunited with Ron caused Ilah to seek the Lord fervently. Her prayers were answered in a safe, uncomplicated journey and she was born again in May 1970 and began her daily walk with Jesus. As she grew in her faith, one of the ways it was manifested was by her membership and leadership in Aglow International, a Christian womens' ministry. Through this organization Ilah touched many hurting woman's lives. Her great legacy was the founding of Aglow in Nepal in 1987 which now boasts a membership of 1000 with representation at each international conference. Upon retirement in Bozeman, 1 June 1987, Ilah became active in local church activities and in 2000 became a charter member of the Montana Intercultural Team. This cadre of women is devoted to having relationships and sharing Jesus' love with others. Ilah was also a board member of the Rotoiti Tibetan Project which translates the Bible and select C. S. Lewis books into the commonly spoken Tibetan language. Friends' most expressed memory of Ilah was her ever present, effervescent smile and words of encouragement. The common names dictionary defines Ilah, as "courageous" and Glee, as "exuberant joy". She was both in spades! Ilah was preceded in death by her father, C. D. Lund of Fairfield, MT in 1988, and son, Jeffrey Lund Stevens, USAF 14 Aug 1987. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Col. Ronald B. Stevens, US Army, Retired; daughter, Leigh M. (Alan) Webber of Phoenix; mother, Lucille Holum, and brother, Earl (Debbie) Probst, both or Glasgow; sister, Kathy (James) Bostrom, Lewiston, ID; Uncle Ted Lund, Whitefish and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will take place on Monday, June 22, at 1PM, at Foothills Fellowship Chapel, 4000 Springhill Rd, Bozeman. A reception will immediately follow the service. A graveside committal service will be held at Sunset Hills Cemetery at 3 pm. Family and friends please meet at 2:45 pm at Dahl Funeral Chapel to process to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to one of Ilah's favorite ministries: Rotoiti Tibetan Project, First Security Bank, 208 E. Main St., Bozeman, MT 59715, Acct #163295.

Online Condolences

  1. Roberta Beck wrote: While confined in a hotel room in Katmandu in May, 1986, Ilah lovingly provided for me, including a special evening for 10 in her home. In writing about that trip, I decided to do a search online. It was with disappointment that I learned of her death. The obituary stated that a lot of things transpired the next year; loss of a son, began Aglow in Nepal and moved back to Montana. Perhaps she sees what I will be sharing with my writing class, hopefully as an influence on some of the non-Christians. God BLESS! Roberta beck6707@aol.com
  2. Lt Col Steve Wood wrote: My good friend Pat Veillette informed me of Ilah's passing. It was a sad day for me; because of the passing of a lady who, while I spoke with her but once or twice, I was charmed by her infectious joy! Her son Jeff was a classmate of mine at the Air Force Academy and a good friend. He spoke often of his parents, Ron and Ilah and the unique love this family shared. When we lost Jeff, I grieved for them all. I grieve again but know that she and Jeff are now reunited. I can but think of 2 Timothy 4:7 and agree that it applies beautifully to Ilah. God's blessings be upon you all. Steve Stephen E. Wood, Lt Col, USAFR USAFA Class of 1983
  3. Betty and Terry Vibeto wrote: Our many thoughts and prayers have been with all of you during this difficult time. Ilah was a special lady and will be missed by many. Take care.
  4. Kay Krattli wrote: Dear Ron and Leigh and family, I pray that you will be comforted with the wonderful presence of the Holy Spirit in the coming days, weeks, and months. Ilah is a precious friend and I know you will miss her greatly, as all of us will. She is dancing with the angels, and with Jeff. I remember her telling about when she sat at the graveside of her father's funeral, and looked up and saw in the Spirit her father and Jeff dancing on top of the casket. She said she almost laughed outloud, not the appropriate thing to do. But perhaps it is the appropriate thing to do. Ilah's joy was and is so wonderful. She is not dead but is alive with the Lord. We just have to wait awhile to see her again. May you be blessed with great comfort. Love, Kay Krattli
  5. Dennis Schweitzer wrote: Ron, I am so sorry for your loss. We will all miss Ilah's smile and positive attitude in the neighborhood. My thoughts are with you. God bless you, Dennis
  6. Lori and Dave Trimmer wrote: Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Wish we could be there but we're grateful for that last visit.
  7. Elaine Robson (UK) wrote: To Ron,Leigh & family - my loving greetings, special thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with you all at this particularly sad time. I am deeply grateful to God for Ilah. She has been a wondeful friend since we first met in Kathmandu, Nepal in 1986. And she had such a heart for the Rotoiti Tibetan Project translation work and served as vice-president for many years. I will miss her so much. [Elaine - President/founder of the Rotoiti Tibetan Project].
  8. Dudley and Mona Henderson wrote: Dearest Ron and Leigh our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss. Your loss is heaven's gain. May you be comforted with the Spirit of the One that Ilah loved and serviced with all her heart.
  9. Glenna Mueller wrote: Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Wish we could be there with you.Ilah was a beautiful person inside and out and will be missed by many. God Bless Tim and Glenna Mueller
  10. Ray and Michele Stinnett wrote: Dear Ron and Leigh, We are greatly saddened to hear of Ilah's long illness and passing, but rejoice with you as Ilah enters the kingdom of Jesus. We are blessed to have shared some wonderful memories with you and your family. Love Ray and Michele Stinnett
  11. Don and Gloria Webber wrote: What a great smile!! Ilah was a very giving and nice person. It was good to know her. We enjoyed a meal out with Ilah and Ron at the Dillons resturant in Surprise. We have given $25.00 in Ilah's name to the American Cancer Society. Sinerely, Don and Gloria Webber
  12. Lisa & John Vanden Bos wrote: Ron, May peace be with you in the knowledge that Ilah was a sparkling, fulfilled woman and a wonderful neighbor. And He will raise her up on eagle's wings, Bear her on the breath of dawn, Make her to shine like the sun, And hold her in the palm of His Hand.
  13. Terri and Steve Angel wrote: How fortunate we were to be touched by Ilah. She was a great gift and we celebrate her life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
  14. Evelyn and Loren Acton wrote: Dear Ron and your other dear ones, We were saddened to hear of your loss. May you find some comfort in knowing that we are keeping you and yours in our thoughts and prayers. Ilah was a fine, fine neighbor. I remember in the early days of GVII Board meetings held at the Stevens' house, her hospitality was such that we always felt welcome. I'll quote words from a Cherokee song: May the Great Spirit watch over you As long as the grass grows and the water flows. Evelyn

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