Ila Faye (Smith) Ryskamp

Ila Faye Ryskamp, age 93 of Portage, died July 24, 2019. She was born in 1925, in Kalamazoo, the daughter of Randall E. and Margaret (Denniston) Smith. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1943, and later that year married her sweetheart, Abraham C. Ryskamp, who preceded her in death in 2014. She retired as a loan originator from Farm Service Agency. Ila was endlessly devoted to her family and friends and loved making memories with them. Her family includes her children: Marlene Sheldon, JoAnn (Al) DiLoreto, Jeanne Ryskamp (Kim McGeorge), and Randi (John) Kruse; her grandchildren: Shane (Jeanna) Sheldon, Josh (Lisa) Sheldon, Missy (Matt) Berg, Jonathan (Misty) Richards, Jayme Richards (Andy Havey), Todd McGeorge, and Amy (Caleb) Fisher; her 10 great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Ellie, Avery, Olivia, Trenton, Cecelia, Audon, Irelyn, Will and Drew; her half-brothers: Doug (Dorothy) Smith and Chuck Smith; her sister-in-law Helen Smith; and several nieces and nephews. For over 70 years, Ila enjoyed entertaining family and friends at her home on Austin Lake. She also enjoyed boating, gardening, and baking, with the highlight being her famous Apple Pie Squares. Visitation will be held from 4 PM to 7 PM on Friday, August 2, 2019, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 411 E Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49002, where her service will be held Sunday, August 4, 2019, at 1 PM with Pastor John Fisher officiating. Graveside services will follow at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park on South Westnedge Avenue. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be directed to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Please visit Ila's webpage for directions, online guest book or to leave a condolence.