Ila Frances Gess

Mrs. Ila Frances Gess, age 91, of Carrollton passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in Carrollton. Born on April 18, 1934, in Carrollton, she was raised by her loving maternal grandparents, the late Ed and Catherine Ward. Her early years were spent in Carroll County. At the age of fourteen, Ila faced the loss of her grandparents, leading her to be taken in by neighbors. With their support, she began her first job at Lawler Hosiery, gracefully balancing work while also serving as a nanny for the children in her household.

In her journey through life, Ila married and was blessed with six sons. A dedicated mother, she worked for several years at Duffey’s and in the school lunchroom in Mount Zion, eventually finding her way to Tanner Medical Center, where she devoted 35 years of service. Ila retired from her position to care for her beloved husband. As a single mother for much of her life, she worked diligently to ensure that her boys had everything they needed.

In addition to her grandparents, Ila was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Rodney Paul Gess; two of her sons, Ricky Ward and Garon Adams; her brothers, Hurbert Williams and Hugh Williams; her sister, Pauline Phillips; and by one daughter-in-law, Pat Robinson.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Irene Robinson of West Germany, Felix Robinson of Clem, Phillip Adams of Bowdon, Gregory and Delores Adams of Temple and daughter-in-law, Martha Ward of Buchanan; her grandchildren, Nicole (Thorsten) Gruber of West Germany, Chris (Suzanne) Patterson of Carrollton, Gina (Tim) Bennett of Carrollton, Matthew (Chrissy) Robinson of Clem, Ricky (Ann) Ward of Buchanan, and Courtney (Cody) Nelson of Roanoke, Alabama. Mrs. Gess is also survived by several great-grandchildren, and a number of other relatives.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 5 P.M. until 7 P.M.

Private interment, beside her beloved husband, will follow in Glenn Memorial Gardens in Villa Rica at a later date.

Messages of condolence can be made to the family by signing the online guestbook at www.croftfuneralhome.com.

Hutcheson-Croft Funeral Home of Temple is entrusted with the arrangements.