Ila Catherine Davis

Ila Catherine Webb Davis passed away on January 16, 2025, at the age of 99 & 1/2 years of age in Springfield, MO. She was a member of Wesley Methodist Church in Springfield, MO, for many years where she enjoyed being a greeter on the hospitality team. Her favorite greeting station was the children’s door.

Ila was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, known for her kindness, generosity, and love of gardening.

Ila was born on June 28, 1925, in Stigler, Oklahoma, to parents, Rupert & Era Englebright Webb. She is survived by her daughter, Patty Davis Nitzschke of Springfield, MO, and her son, Don Davis of Columbia, MO, one grandson David Davis and two great grandchildren Dessiree & Donnivon. She had four great great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews & friends.

Ila was the oldest of six children. Ila was preceded in death by her parents and four of her siblings. Her siblings were Gerald Webb (deceased), Emma Webb Parks (deceased), Wilma Webb Miller (deceased), Neoma Webb Crelia (deceased) & Lois Webb of Russellville, AR.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Charles E (Pat) Davis, who passed away on September 3, 1993.

During the depression when Ila was a baby her family was among the many that escaped the dust bowl of the Midwest by migrating to southern California, then finally settled in the Glendale, Arizona, area where she grew up. 

During World War II Ila worked for Boeing Aircraft in Wichita, Kansas, as a Rosy the Riveter. After serving in the war for four years Pat came home in 1945. Pat and Ila corresponded during the war and were married on August 9, 1945. 

They settled on a cattle farm near Ava, MO, in the community of Brushy Knob where they lived for 48 years and raised their family. After moving from the farm to Springfield, MO, in 2001 Ila continued to enjoy her love of gardening in her backyard garden. 

A celebration of Ila's life will be held on January 24, 2025, at 11 A.M. at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 922 W Republic Rd, Springfield, MO with Pastor Michael McIntyre officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30 am until service time in the church.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Ila's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital Po Box 1000 Dept. 142 Memphis, TN  38148.