Ila Jean Calhoun

Ila Jean (Morton) Calhoun, of Des Arc, passed away at her home on May 8, 2017 surrounded by family. Ila Jean was born on January 10, 1936 to Duke and Betty (Eddins) Morton. She grew up in the Oak Prairie community where she was a member of the New Bethel Methodist Church before moving her membership to the Des Arc United Methodist Church. Her early school years were at the Oak Prairie School just a few miles from her home. She later attended and graduated from Des Arc High School. On December 1, 1956 she married her husband of 60 years, Floyd Bedford Calhoun. They made their home in Des Arc and raised two children. Ila Jean was a homemaker. Family was her center. She loved vegetable gardening with her parents and canning with her mother during the summer months. She also loved working in the flower beds around her home. She loved to cook and enjoyed making delicious meals and sweets for her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Duke and Betty Morton. She is survived by her husband, Floyd Calhoun; one daughter, Cheryl and husband Billy Holland, one son, Keith and wife Michele Calhoun; four grandchildren: Robyn Hambrick, Emily Holland, Tanner Calhoun, and Bailey Calhoun; one great-grandson, Owen Hambrick, and one brother Don and wife Sharon Morton all of Des Arc, as well as a host of nieces and nephews. She was cared for and doted on in her last years by Tressia Russell, Chloe Robinson, Cindy Robinson, and Tonya Aytchan. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday May 9, 2017, 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Des Arc United Methodist Church, 10 a.m., Wednesday with Pastor Pat Skarda officiating. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery. Pallbearers are: Tanner Calhoun, Donald Morton, Stewart Morton, Butch Calhoun, Mark Calhoun, and Chip Calhoun.