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Ila Frances Tyler Richardson passed away peacefully on February 10, 2004. She was born in a log cabin, almost 100 years ago, in Indian Territory, now the state of Oklahoma. Her parents, Joseph Tyler and Almedia Olivia Cunningham Tyler lived on a cattle ranch near what is now Coleman, Oklahoma. Ila was the second oldest of twelve siblings. In 1918, when her mother died, Ila had to drop out of the eleventh grade. She gave up her dream of becoming a teacher or a nurse in order to stay home and help raise the family.
In 1920 Ila met Henry Jackson "Jack" Richardson. They married on November 19, 1922, in Wapanucka, Oklahoma; their most memorable gift being a cow! They were married 53 years and had three children. Jack in 1925, Josephine in 1928, and Terrel in 1935.
Ila and her husband, Jack, made their living, primarily farming. In 1939 they moved their family from Oklahoma to California. In 1943 they bought a small house and farm in the Cuyama Valley and lived there until 1961 when they sold the farm, retired and bought a new house in Bakersfield. Ila resided there, still gardening and caring for her home, until about the age of 91.
One of Ila's greatest pleasures and talents was gardening. She always had beautiful flower gardens, especially roses, and grew her own vegetables and fruit. She loved the beauty of nature and the outdoors.
During her long life, Ila saw amazing changes in the world - some she liked, others not. She faced many challenges and hardships and, at times, experienced great loss, disappointment and sadness. Through all this, she showed great faith, strength and the courage to go on. She always worked hard, made the best of things, and found contentment and happiness in the simple pleasures of home, family, friends and life.
Ila is survived by her daughter, Josephine M. Spitzer of Bakersfield; brother, Joseph Tyler of Ringling, OK; sister, Marguerite Hawkins of Fontana, CA; five grandchildren scattered throughout California, Susan Richardson, Julie Bear, Mark Richardson, Terri Di Marco and Mary Reed; three great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren. Ila also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and other dear relatives and friends. Ila was preceded in death by her husband, Jack in 1975; her sons, Jack V. Richardson in 1983 and Terrel L. Richardson in 1995; son-in-law, John Spitzer in 1986; her sisters, Rosalee Baker, Inez Maier and Ruby; brothers, Owen, Raymond, Vernon, Allen, Sam and Frank Tyler.
The family would like to give special thanks to Ila's niece, Mary Ann Baker for visiting and lovingly watching over Ila when the rest of us couldn't be there. We also wish to thank the staff of Beverly Manor Convalescent Hospital for the many years of loving care and friendship they gave to our dear Ila.
A celebration of Ila's life will take place on February 14, 2004.
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