Ilona Gene McDill

Born: October 15, 1938

Duluth, MN

Died: January 12, 2023

Custer, SD

Born at home in Duluth, Minnesota, Ilona was the first of seven siblings.  There, she developed a deep love of nature and all living creatures a part of it.  Her passion for horses also flourished early and became an integral part of her entire life.  After high school, Ilona found her way to Kansas City Art Institute in pursuit of another love, art.  Soon after met Francis (Jerry) Cameron, married, and raised five children.  Ranch life was in her blood and Custer, South Dakota became the place she chose to realize so many of her dreams.

Ilona brought passion to everything she believed in.  There was never a mountain vista  un-revered, a living creature left unloved, a sunrise unappreciated, a dance floor left undanced, a challenge left unchallenged, a business idea unexecuted, a social issue unargued, a flower left un-smelled, and a Lightfoot song unsung.  She exhibited her love of these things with beauty and grace.

Ilona's proudest accomplishments were realized through her family.  She taught us through her examples that there is nothing we can't do. Her legacy can be seen through the influence realized by her friends and family. She will be deeply missed.

Preceded in Death by:

Father, Horace Stover; Mother, Imogene Stover; Sister, Joanne Stover; Husband, Francis (Jerry) Cameron; Son, Scott Cameron; Husband, Tom McDill.

Survived by:

Siblings: Wanda and Warren Carlson, Anita Stover, Horace (Buck) and Kathy Stover, Candy and Ed Barbo, Russell Stover

Children: Son, Horace Steele Cameron; Son, Francis and Teri Cameron; Son, Russell and Molli Cameron; Daughter, Ilona (Bunny) Cameron and 9 Grandchildren and 7 Great Grandchildren

A Celebration of Life is planned for the spring in Custer, South Dakota.  More information to come.