Ila Mae Bolen

On Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, with close family near and her eyes set on heaven, Ila Mae Bolen was called home after her journey with a long illness. She was undoubtedly met with a hug and kiss from her Jim as well as the many family and friends who were all reunited in heaven.
Ila Mae Armstead was born in Saginaw on May 7, 1937 to the late Ledston and Laura Armstead.
Ila married the love of her life, Jim Bolen, on Jan. 18, 1963. Jim and Ila were blessed with 47 years of marriage until the time of Jim's passing in 2010. Together, Jim and Ila enjoyed life to the absolute fullest. One of their favorite pastimes was traveling with friends with trips to Rome, Ireland, Scotland and the Holy Land.
Jim and Ila enjoyed golfing together at their favorite course, Red Hawk Golf Club, as well as the Arnold Palmer courses at The Villages in Florida where they spent their winter months. They were blessed with treasured friendships over the years; many parties, many rounds of golf, many trips and many laughs that created more memories than they could count!
Ila had an impeccable eye for personal style and through her work at Sis's Dress Shoppe in downtown East Tawas shared her love for fashion with many women who aspired to dress their best! She was a gift-giver extraordinaire and her gift wrapping and handmade bows were a gift in itself! Ila also kept a beautiful home and yard with every special detail that made all who entered feel welcome.
Ila was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church where she was involved with the Council of Catholic Women and sang in the choir for many years. Ila's faith was remarkable. When she had glimmers of doubt about how she would keep going after Jim's passing, she would always say that her faith would carry her through; and it did until her very last day here on earth.
Ila is survived by her sister, Viola Valent; and sisters-in-law, Judy (Roger) Brasseur, Joe Ann Bolen and Janice Bolen. She is also survived by many special nieces, nephews and the Bolen subdivision kiddos. Ila's family also includes the wonderfully caring staff at Tawas Village who have enriched her life since 2018. She was preceded in death by her sister, Blanche (Norris) Davidson; brothers, Donald (Lillian) Armstead, and Orval (Onylea) Armstead; and brothers-in-law, John Valent, John Bolen Jr., Robert (Shirley) Bolen, Bernard (Mary Lou) Bolen, Donald Bolen and Michael Bolen.
Visitation for Ila is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 15 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Buresh Funeral Home. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, Oct. 16 at Holy Family Catholic Church in East Tawas at 11 a.m.; friends will be welcomed at 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Contributions in Ila's memory can be made to Tawas Village Memory Care Unit c/o Sensory Supplies Fund at 910 North Tawas Lake Road, East Tawas, MI 48730 -or- to the donor's choice in Ila's name.