Illa I. France – (89) – formerly of 1190 County Route 66, Hornell, died late Saturday evening (July 28, 2018) at Elderwood of Hornell, where she had resided for the past 4 months.

Born in Wayland on March 24, 1929, she was the daughter of Myron & Cassandria (Cole) Harter.

Illa grew up and lived on the family farm in the Wayland / Loon Lake area.  In her youth, she helped out on the farm and helped raise her brothers & sisters.  She attended a one-room schoolhouse located near the family farm and later attended Wayland Central School.

During her teenage years, Illa met Walter France and they were married in 1949.  Together they resided in Hornell for many years and for over 30 years lived in Oklahoma.  Illa moved back to the Hornell area in 2007.

In her younger years, Illa had been employed at the former Marion Rohr Corporation in Hornell and also at Westinghouse Corporation in Bath, NY.  While in Oklahoma, she operated a home day-care service.

Illa enjoyed a variety of crafts especially needlepoint and crocheting.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter who died in 1998; her son, Rick France; 4 brothers, Donald Harter, Tracy Harter, DeMyrl Harter and Robert Harter; 2 sisters, Ruby Brundage and Eloise Schwartz.

Surviving are 5 sons, Jack France of North Tulsa, OK, Dick (Joan) France of Hornell, Lonnie France of Almond, Barry (Sharon) France of Coweta, OK and Jim France of Hornell; 1 daughter, Darcie France of Hornell; 2 sisters, Margaret (Dan) Downey of Livonia and Wilma (Frank) King of South Dansville; many grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; several nieces & nephews.

At Illa’s request there will be no calling hours.  Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.