Ila A. Shosten

Ila A. Shosten age 92 of Detroit Lakes, MN died April 26, 2017 at Ecumen – Emmanuel Nursing Home in Detroit Lakes, MN. Ila Ann Shosten (Elliott) was born on February 24, 1925 in Willmar, MN., the daughter of Glen and Kate (Bennett) Elliott. She grew up in a  farming family with 4 brothers and 4 sisters. She attended schools in the Willmar area. As a young woman, she worked at neighboring farms helping with housekeeping and miscellaneous chores. It was while working at one of these farms, that she met Vernon O. Thompson. They were married on September 7, 1944. Early in their marriage they traveled throughout the US working various construction jobs. They later farmed near New London, MN. Their marriage was blessed with 2 children, Sandra and Sheldon. Ila married William E. Shosten on August 28, 1956. They lived in the Spicer, MN. area and in Litchfield, MN. where Bill owned and operated a produce business.  Ila and Bill were also blessed with 2 children, Bonita and Ronald. Bill passed away on June 10, 1960. Ila and the children moved to Kerkhoven and later to Willmar.Ila worked at Jennie-O and the Christian Rest Home in Willmar before working at the Willmar Regional Treatment Center for many years, retiring in 1990. After retiring, she moved back to Kerkhoven and worked at the Lindberg Rest Home in Kerkhoven. In 1997, she moved to Detroit Lakes, MN after battling and surviving ovarian cancer. She was our “Miracle Mom.”  She was a member of the Kerkhoven United Presbyterian Church in Kerkhoven and prior to that, the Eagle Lake Lutheran Church during the years she lived in Willmar. Ila will be remembered for her big heart and generosity. She was a strong woman, a hard worker and an excellent cook and baker. Many, many boxes of Christmas cookies and candies were sent off to her loved ones each Christmas for many years. She also enjoyed flower gardening. She spent many happy hours in her beautiful flower garden in Detroit Lakes. She had a heart for children and babysat for several families over the years. These children held a very special place in her heart. She loved spending time with her family. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her pride and absolute joy. Ila was preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Kate Elliott, her husband, William Shosten, brothers, Donald, Darrel, Luverne, and Dale Elliott, sisters, Erma Valentine, Leona Stiff and Marilyn Wanderscheid. Also, great granddaughter, Shelby Grace Johnson. Ila is survived by her sister, Opal Petersen of Clara City, Mn.; sons, Sheldon Thompson of Olivia, Mn. and Ron Shosten of Kirkland, Wa.; daughters, Sandra (Douglas) Stueland of Willard, Utah and Bonnie (Thomas) Stensgard of Detroit Lakes, Mn.; grandchildren, Theresa (Steven) Kay, Tamila (Anthony) Miceli, Angela (James) Tompt, Seth (Natasha) Thompson, Anthony (Carmen) Stensgard, Sarah (Randy) Cook, Stephen (Kathryn) Stensgard and Ryan ( Kamalani) Arakawa- Shosten. 16 great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Ila’s Life will be held on Saturday May 13, 2017; 11:00 a.m. at the West-Kjos Funeral Home in Detroit Lakes, MN. Visitation will be one hour prior to services. Interment will be in the Hillside Cemetery, Kerkhoven, MN.