Obituary of Ilene Iona Fletcher

Ilene Iona Fletcher (McNurlin) born 2-20-30, passed away peacefully at home with her family nearby on July 10, 2010 after a long illness. Preceded in death by her husband Ronald H. Fletcher Sr., and mother-in-law, Ruby Faye Fletcher. She was born one of twin girls, (Irene Estep, deceased), to Leigh and Hattie McNurlin in Boone, Nebraska. She married Ronald H. Fletcher, "love at first sight" on July 1, 1950 in Omaha, Neb. They had five children, Peggy (Ted) Smithson, Ronald FletcherJr. (deceased), Coleen Cruz, Michael Leigh Fletcher (deceased), Kathy Kloos, and Victor (Amelia) Cruz who was her son in her heart. The Fletcher family moved from Omaha, NE. to Tucson, AZ. in 1957. Ilene worked in the medical field and she was active in the Ladies Auxiliary with the American Legion. She was "Mom" to many who suffered from childhood neglect and abuse and who would otherwise not have known what it's like to have a loving mother and family. Mom's joys in her life were her family, especially her 13 grandkids and 13 great grandkids with another baby due in August. She counted many more people she loved as her grand and great grandchildren, some of whom are Michael McDonald, along with Juliette (Wrenn) her husband David and their boys, Dante and Cesar. We will have a memorial picnic per Mom's request in late September. We are grateful to the support and services provided by Odyssey Hospice. Til we meet again Mom, you are alive in our hearts. Arrangements entrusted to Desert Sunset Funeral Home 297-9007.