Ila F. Libra

Ila Faye Libra of Elm Creek, formerly of Cozad, passed away Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Kearney Regional Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska at the age of 88. She was born February 24, 1936 in Kensington, Kansas to Roy and Sophia (Schafer) Winder. The family moved to Cozad when Ila was 17. She attended school at Kensington and Cozad.

Ila married Ralph Crites in October of 1953. They were blessed with four sons, Roy, Calvin, Russell and Kevin.  She later remarried Francis Libra in 1969 and was blessed with son Francis Jr.

Ila worked various jobs, but found joy in raising her family and creating a warm and loving home. She was a dedicated homemaker and her commitment to her family was unwavering, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
 
Ila is preceded in death by her parents, husbands, Ralph Crites and Francis Libra, grandson Shawn Lynn Crites and great-grandson Bramdon Augustine. 
She is survived by her children Roy (Cindy) Crites, Calvin (Janice) Crites, Russell (Patti) Crites, Kevin (Lachele) Crites, Francis James (Jess) Libra, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were the light of her life, her special nieces Sharon Gibson and Twyla Weible and nephew Mike Ellenberger.
 
A kind-hearted soul with a gentle touch, Ila leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that will continue to inspire all those who were privileged to have known her. May she rest in peace knowing that her spirit lives on in the hearts of her beloved family and friends.

Memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Shriners Hospital. A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home Chapel with Harvey Pierce officiating. Burial will follow at Cozad Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be Friday, March 15, 2024 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home.