Ila Leona (Olson) Loken, age 91, of Bullhead City, Arizona, formerly of Michigan, North Dakota, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family.

Ila was born on November 21, 1934, in Agnes Township, Grand Forks County, North Dakota, to Albert W. and Alice (Kelly) Olson. She was the youngest of six children. Her early years were spent on the family farm near McCanna before the family moved to Orr, North Dakota, where she attended school. She was baptized and confirmed at Elk Valley Lutheran Church near Bachelor’s Grove.

On November 24, 1951, Ila married Duane A. Loken of Dahlen, North Dakota, in Inkster. Together they built a life centered on faith, hard work, and family. While living on a small farm near Quale Lutheran Church, Ila welcomed her first three children: Carol Ann, Daniel Duane, and Mark Allen. In 1957, the family moved to Santa Maria, California, where their daughter Sheila Faye was born in 1960 and later settled in Lompoc.

Ila was a remarkable homemaker who poured her love into cooking, baking, gardening, canning, sewing, quilting, and caring for her family. Proud of her Norwegian heritage, she was known for her homemade breads, cinnamon rolls, cookies, birthday cakes, and countless family meals. Her children were sent to school with homemade lunches, fresh bread sandwiches, cookies, and a thermos of Kool-Aid or juice. She especially loved making old-fashioned tapioca pudding and was famous for her generous use of butter and sugar. Ila also had a sweet tooth and never turned down peanut brittle from See’s Candies.

In 1972, the family moved to West Covina, California, where Ila became self-employed and enjoyed the flexibility to focus on both work and family. She treasured family gatherings, holidays, church traditions, grandchildren, and especially babies. Nothing made her happier than a full dining table surrounded by loved ones.

After retiring in 1987, Ila and Duane returned to North Dakota, renovating their dream farm near Dahlen. She loved maintaining large flower and vegetable gardens, canning produce, baking, attending auctions, collecting dolls, sewing, quilting, and gathering for coffee with friends at Norma’s Café. Duane passed away suddenly in April 1990 after 39 years of marriage.

In 1992, Ila was blessed to find love again with Ron Carlson. Together they shared more than 34 happy years, splitting time between North Dakota and Bullhead City, Arizona, before permanently moving to Arizona in 2019. Ila and Ron loved attending auctions together, hosting family BBQs, traveling, and doting on grandchildren and great-grandchildren who spent cherished time with them on the farm and later in Bullhead City. Between Ila’s antique dolls and Ron’s antique tractors, their farm became a beautiful museum filled with years of treasured memories and collections. Their partnership was built on simple joys and devotion to one another. Ila lovingly cooked and baked for everyone, while Ron patiently did the dishes every night by her side. In their later years, they enjoyed finding a good buffet, playing slot machines, and earning casino points like pros. Evenings often ended the same way—with popcorn, holding hands, and watching TV together. Ila was known as the “Purple Lady,” surrounding herself with every shade of purple—from her wardrobe and eyeglasses to home décor—and even convincing Ron to wear purple when possible.

Throughout her life, Ila maintained close relationships with both immediate and extended family. She loved music, church, shopping trips, loud stereos, red cars, and always had a “need for speed.” When she wanted a treat you could find her with a Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino with extra crunch and extra extra caramel. Ila enjoyed staying connected with family and friends, and was a master swiper when looking through countless cherished photos on her phone and iPad. She was disciplined, organized, hardworking, and deeply devoted to her faith and family. Meals were always on time, Sunday church was expected, and perseverance and follow-through were values she passed on to generations.

She is survived by her children: Carol (Ron) Morris of Prescott, Arizona; Mark Loken of Post Falls, Idaho; and Sheila (Mike) Alvarez of Bullhead City, Arizona. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Mike Loken (Brandy), Kevin (Tiffany) Loken, Carlye (Bobby) Medina, Kathryn Fitzgerald, Bryan Loken, Brandon Loken, Joshua Loken, Adam (Raelyn) Loken, Ashton Loken, Lili Loken, Jennifer (Scott) Elliott, Mariah Alvarez, Jamee (Bryan) Salinas, Megan Alvarez, and Zachary Alvarez; along with 18 beloved great-grandchildren, her god daughters Connie (John) Stanislawski and Jettie Fross, and many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Also treasured are Ron Carlson Jr., Ron Carlson III, Constance Carlson, Shawn (Stella) Carlson, Shane (Stacy) Harmon, Jessica Harmon, Shyanna Harmon, Dalton Harmon.

Ila was preceded in death by her husbands, Duane Loken and Ron Carlson; her son, Daniel Loken; Carla Carlson Craigle, her parents; her five siblings; and numerous beloved family members.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on June 13, 2026, at Quale Lutheran Church in North Dakota, with lunch to follow at Dahlen Lutheran Church.

Memorials preferred to the Quale Lutheran Church general purpose fund.