Ila Stanberry Lempka

  Ila M. Stanberry Lempka was born August 18, 1929 rural Brownell, Kansas to William and Mary T. (Smotherman) Likes.   She was one of twelve children born to this union.  After graduating from high school, Ila attended nursing school in southern Kansas where she met her future husband.   Ila married Clarence Paul “Stan” Stanberry on March 21, 1950 at St. Mary, Kansas.  To this union five children were born.  She gave up her nursing career to raise her family after her marriage.  Clarence passed away December 23, 1964. Ila later married Raymond Lempka on February 5, 1966 at St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Mary, Nebraska.  To this union three children were born.  Raymond passed away on October 3, 1985.

  Ila was a devout Catholic and she relied on her faith throughout her life.  She was in charge of the CCD program at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Mary for many years.  Ila was an avid gardener and she and her family raised a huge garden as the children were growing up.  Ila was always very generous in sharing her produce with others.  She started the Cub Scout pack when her sons wanted to join and served as a leader.  Later in life Ila worked nights at Wheaton’s in Syracuse.  At family gatherings, Ila loved to take charge which earned her the nickname “Sarge” from her siblings and nieces and nephews.  Ila donated her body to the Anatomical Board to improve knowledge in the medical field.  She passed away at Belle Terrace in Tecumseh, Nebraska, Tuesday, March 13, 2018 having reached the age of 88 years. 

  Ila is survived by her children: Nancy Stanberry-Ktiyeb and husband Ahmed of San Antonio TX and children Samir and Amina, Peggy Black and husband Harlan of Topeka, KS and children Sarah, Leslie and Monolito, Janet Fisser and husband Dean of Harbine, NE and children Scott, Rebecca and Heidi, William Stanberry and wife Teresa of Nebraska City, NE and children Nathan, Nicole, Kyle and Kaitlyn, Robert Stanberry and wife Gail of Burr, NE and children Curtis and Ashley, Mariann Fangmeyer and husband Russell of Deshler, NE and children Maci and Brandon, Raymond “Jake” Lempka of Douglas, NE and Bryan Lempka and wife Crystal of Cook, NE and children Mallory, Tricia and Jordon, 27 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren, sister, Jolene Prather of Hutchinson, KS and sister-in-law, Donna Likes of Odessa, MO and many nieces and nephews.  

   She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, grandson, Derek Stanberry, granddaughter, Hannah Black, son-in-law, Darrel Sokolik, six brothers and two sisters. 

   Memorial mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 24, 2018 at the St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tecumseh, Nebraska with Father Craig Clinch officiating.

   A register book will be available for signatures on Friday, March 23, 2018 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. at the church.

   Memorials in lieu of flowers may go to the family’s choice.

  Inurnment will be at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery at a later date.

  Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ila Stanberry Lempka, please visit our floral store.