Ila Davidson

23 May 1933 to 6 May 2012 Ila was born to Kenneth V. and Margaret Evelyn (Orr) McGahan on May 23, 1933, in Walkerville, Michigan. She was the eldest of eleven children. She entered into glory May 6, 2012, in Sun City, AZ at the age of 78 succumbing to cancer. Ila married Francis G. Davidson on November 3, 1950, in Manistique, Michigan. They had three children. In February of 1961 they moved to North Kenai (Nikiski), Alaska. After moving back to Michigan in August of 1964 to be near Francis’s mother after his father’s passing, they returned to Nikiski eight months later. In 1971 they moved to Salem, Oregon, returned to Alaska in 1977 and stayed until their final move to Sun City, Arizona in December of 1993. Ila is survived by her husband, Francis and their three children. Wayne (Joan) Davidson, Debi (Allan) Stone and Colleen (Walt) Ward. Her seven grandchildren are: Sherlai (Kiley) Breitling, Doug (Erika) Davidson, Bethany Davidson, Kelsey Stone, Wally Ward, Rocky (Margaret) Ward and Dusty Ward. They have 5 great grandchildren. Her surviving siblings are: Norman (Lois) McGahan, Richard (Karen) McGahan, Jackie (Betty) McGahan, Dale (Donna) McGahan, Elaine O’Dell, Carol (Beaver) Broussard, Margie DeShong and numerous loved nephews & nieces. She has many “adopted” kids from her time working at Western Baptist Bible College who are scattered all over the world. Those who have gone before her are her parents Kenneth and Margaret McGahan; siblings, Marvin “Butch” and William “Billy” McGahan and Sharon Otis; and her granddaughter Melissa Davidson. Ila loved Jesus Christ and although she was reluctant to leave her loved ones, she was giddy about being with her Savior. She was known for her love for people and road trips and combined the two at every chance, often serving as the tour guide with each new adventure. Providing family and friends a warm meal or comfortable bed in her home brought her great joy. Supporting our fine service men and women by wearing red on Friday’s was a tradition she upheld through her final days. An Arizona celebration of life service will be May 19th at 2 p.m. at Faith Baptist Church on 7233 North 75th Avenue in Glendale. This is Armed Forces day. In unity with Ila feel free to wear red, white, or blue to honor our service men and women. In Alaska on May 23rd, Ila’s 79th birthday, there will be a 1 p.m. burial with family and close friends at the McGahan Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life service at 2:00 p.m. at the Nikiski Nazarene Church located at 44813 Kenai Spur Highway in Nikiski, Alaska. Donations in Ila’s memory may be made to the Davidson, Ditchen & Taylor Memorial Scholarship at Salem Academy Christian School, 942 Lancaster Dr. NE, Salem, Oregon 97301. Ila’s family wishes to thank the many family and friends who traveled this journey with them through their prayers, love and support; the Hospice of the Valley for their love and care of Ila and for supporting a graceful and peaceful final journey home; and the sensitive and professional services provided by the Menke Funeral & Cremation Center in Arizona and the Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Alaska.