Ila Merle North went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 20, 2018 in Crane, Texas after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was born to Joseph and Florence Franks on April 15, 1928. She married the love of her life, Sherman North, on June 15, 1946. Together they had 3 children, Rubert Ray North (Butch), Linda Marie North, and Sammy Lynn North (Sam).Sherman and Ila spent their married years in both Midland and then Fort Stockton where they owned a ceramic shop which was filled with many friends. She painted and taught (and gossiped a bit!) while he fired all their creations. Her hands were the conduit to her soul. She made the most beautiful creations with her ceramics and was known all over the state of Texas for her ceramic dolls. She also went all over Texas doing estate sales for countless families. She was one of those people who could sell sawdust to a lumber mill. Side by side they lived an adventurous yet humble Christian life.Ila gave everything she had to her children and those in need. She fed and clothed anyone who was hungry. She nourished their bodies and their souls with her love in Christ. She worked at Immanuel Baptist Church in Fort Stockton for years, leading the lost to know Christ through her example. She exemplified Christ in her life and is the reason so many people know good and truth and righteousness in their lives.She is preceded in death by her husband Sherman North who passed three years and one day prior to Ila’s passing. He was undoubtedly waiting for her at those pearly gates.Ila Merle North is survived by her oldest son Ray North and wife Glorietta of Sunset, daughter Linda Marie of Odessa, son Sam North and wife Lori of Plano, granddaughter Amanda Sierra and husband Fabian of Crane, granddaughter Vanessa Powell and husband Cody of Chico, grandson Charles North of Broussard, Louisiana, granddaughters Hayley and Ella North of Plano, and 8 great-grandchildren Nikaya, Zoe, and Kratos of Crane, and Kellyn, Kohl, Britain, Blake and Mattis of Chico.Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, February 23, 2018 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel in Midland. The family received guests at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home Thursday evening.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,
