"But I always remember the good time Illa May and I had rock picking...and looking for places to rock pick...love you very much. Kathy Thorson Corey Meyers"
In loving memory of
Illa Mae Sweet
May 31, 1926 - December 16, 2016
HOUSTON, MN - Illa Mae Sweet, 90, of Houston, MN died on Friday, December 16, 2016, at the Gundersen Tweeten Care Center in Spring Grove, MN.
Illa was born on May 31, 1926, in Money Creek, MN to James and Pearly (Ullan) Corey. She was raised at Money Creek where she attended country school. She was a 1944 graduate of Houston High School. Illa married James "Kenny" Botcher. They were later divorced. She married Lyle "Pete" Sweet in 1947. Lyle died in 1968. Illa worked at the Valley View Nursing Home, Houston Library, and Ace Telephone. She was a member of the Houston Legion Auxiliary and the Eastern Star. In her spare time, Illa enjoyed knitting, crocheting, playing cards, flea markets, rummage sales, gardening, reading, and drinking her morning coffee - all day.
She is survived by three sons: Jeff (Penny) Botcher of Oconomowoc, WI, Doug (Marie) Botcher of Rushford, MN, and Andy (Cynthia) Sweet of Houston; six grandchildren: Chris, Shannon, Peter, Nicole, James, and Anna; five great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and by a sister, Glenis Loken of Houston.
Illa was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Pete; a son, Thomas Sweet; a great-grandson, Clynton Christensen; and three sisters: Bernice Forsyth and her husband, Herman; Betty Thorson and her husband, Ole; Janet Johnston and her husband, Clifton, and brother-in-law, James Loken who was Glenis' husband.
There will be a memorial service for Illa at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 17, 2017, at Money Creek United Methodist Church in Money Creek, MN. Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Friday at the church. Burial will be in the Money Creek Cemetery.
Illa's family prefers memorials to be directed to the Houston Library or to the Valley View Nursing Home in Houston.
Hoff Funeral and Cremation Service in Houston is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tributes
"I just saw that Illa passed away. She and my mother, Carol (Coulson) Thompson, always had a special place in their hearts for each other. My condolences to your family - Sheila (Thompson) Chapel"
"Andy, Cindy & family, So sorry for your loss, Illa always had a smile on her face, it will be missed! Ken & Cheryl Eaton"
"Sorry about your loss. She was a special lady. Hugs to you and your family. Rick & Sandie Fitting"
"Sympathy to Andy, Cynthia, James and Anna. And the family. She was a wonderful neighbor.
Greg & Tammy and family."
"I remember Illa for her love of romance novels and the wonderful amount of dishcloths she would always be knitting! We worked together at the Houston Public Library and shared a lot of fun times. In the later years, I would see her once in a while at the Root River Market and we would enjoy a little chat. Our Library family will miss her, but she will be a part of our history forever. I would like to express my sympathy to her family and friends. Sincerely, Lynn Carr"