Ilona Ringler

1935 - 2025

Ilona Reems Ringler lived her life with a spark: fun-loving, endlessly curious, and always ready for the next adventure. Born in Wenatchee, WA, to Roy and Louisa Reems at the family home, Ilona grew up with her brother, Ron, and graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1953.
After a year at Seattle Pacific University, Ilona returned to Wenatchee and began working as a stenographer at Wenatchee Wenoka, and in other local roles. When a friend invited her to Hawaii for a fruit industry conference, she jumped at the chance and stayed an extra week just because she loved it. That openness to saying "yes" shaped the rest of her life.
In 1961, she married John Douglass Ringler, and they made their home in Seattle, where she worked in the historic Smith Tower. The couple bought a fixer-upper in Kirkland and welcomed their first of two children, John, to that home before returning to Wenatchee and welcoming Danielle.
Over the years, Ilona wore many hats: co-founding R&L Excavation with friends in 1970, leading as President of the United Methodist Women, and cherishing lifelong friendships with her "Elizabeth Circle". She joined her parents in running Moore Sanitary Service in 1977. In 1985, she followed her creative instincts and opened World Treasures, a gift and import shop in the Valley North Mall.
In her 50s, Ilona finished her bachelor's degree at Gonzaga University. Her work with the Wenatchee and Moses Lake Senior Centers and later with Grant County Behavioral Health was a perfect fit for her caring nature and curiosity about people's stories. She retired at 72, proud of the difference she had made. Ilona spent her later years in Henderson, Nevada, close to her son and grandchildren.
Ilona is survived by her children: John (Rachel) and his children Erik, Evan, and Anne. Danielle (Kevin) and children, Cheyenne and Kaya, along with nieces, nephews, cousins, and so many special friends who were like family.
Please join us in honoring Ilona on September 27th at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Wenatchee. We invite you to attend and to share stories, memories, and reflections that celebrate Ilona's vibrant spirit.