Ila Harwick

Ila’s life began on July 19, 1920 in Woodston, KS. She is the daughter of Andrew David and Osceola Bessie (Koontz) Hawks. The family moved to Midian when she was seven years old and she attended Midian Schools. Ila went to the Venus Cosmetology School, then worked for Effie Wilkerson, Sullivan Brothers Beauty Shop and Charley Brents Beauty Shop. On August 12, 1941, she married George Leonard. After George went into the service, Ila went to work at Beech Aircraft was a milling machine operator, then she enlisted in the United States Navy as a W.A.V.E. After the end of World War II, the couple settled in El Dorado and began a family. Her husband George was killed in an airplane crash on December 14th, 1960. Ila moved and opened up Ila’s Beauty Shop on N. Taylor in El Dorado and later became a wig stylist. She enjoyed her work and her customers. She retired in 1986 and married Keith Harwick on June 2, 1986. Ila loved to cook and entertain family and friends in their home. Ila loved to fish from a young age. Her dad taught her to fish when she was just a kid and loved it from then on. Keith and Ila loved to hunt, and loved the outdoors. Keith passed away on July 8, 2003. Her loving family includes her son Larry (Sandy) Leonard of Missouri, daughter Norma “Jeanie” (Bob) Ramsey of El Dorado, step sons Jerry Leonard of Kingston, OK and Jack Leonard of Denton, TX; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Ila passed away on June 12, 2018 at Susan B. Allen Hospital in El Dorado. She is preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, brothers Dutch, Lyle and Andy Jr. Hawks. Her family will gather with friends on Friday from 12-2 p.m. at Kirby Morris Funeral Home where her funeral will begin at 2 p.m. She will be laid to rest with military honors in Bella Vista Cemetery. Memorial contributions in her name may be directed to the Friends of El Dorado Lake. Please sign her online guestbook and leave a memory of ILA at www.kirbymorrisfuneralhome.com.

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