Dec. 9, 1943 ~ May 13, 2024
Ila Chamberlain was born in Rifle, Colorado, on Dec. 9, 1943, to Delora Olive (Morrow) and Archibald Chamberlain. She left this life and went on to her next journey on May 13, 2024 in Meeker, Colorado.
She met the love of her life, Pat Sturgeon, on a blind date and from that day on, they were inseparable. They eloped on Aug. 11, 1960, and were married for 63 years. They had two daughters, Shawna in 1963 and Nancy in 1966.
Mom devoted her life to her family and to the Cross Six Sheep that she and Dad worked and cared for, tirelessly. Many of the stories they shared and experiences they had while on the Forest, trailing and life as sheep ranchers, should be in a book. She was active in the Rio Blanco County Wool Growers and helping the 4-H kids for decades. Mom touched many lives in many ways and we are all better because of it.
Proceeding Mom in death were her parents, Archibald Chamberlain and Olive Coombs. Her sister, Avis Warren, her brother Ed Chamberlain and brother-in-law George Warren. She lost the love of her life, Pat Sturgeon, in September 2023.
Those left to cherish Mom are her brothers Roy (Rhonda) Coombs, Harold (Zita) Coombs and Dale (Gail) Coombs; daughters Shawna (Wes) Eubanks and Nancy (Loren) Owens; her grandchildren Shaun Eubanks, Amanda Eubanks, Jake (Denie Noble) Swindell, Josh (Kayla) Swindell, Jenna (Luke) Holt, Caroline (Garrin Barnett) Copeland; her great-grandchildren Zoe Holt, Carter Swindell, Rylee Swindell, Kaylee Swindell, Lily Barnett, Jace Swindell and Jax Swindell; special “daughters” Samantha Peterson and Jane (John Rogers) Turnburke; a slew of nieces, nephews and dear friends.
We can take comfort knowing Mom and Dad are together once more, forever, working side by side. They and their dogs are herding and caring for their sheep, doing what they love.
Grammy, we love YOU more.
Services at Highland Cemetery on May 24, 2024 at 11 a.m. followed by a gathering at the Old West Heritage Culture Center, 517 Park Ave.