Ila Tata, 79, passed away Friday, January 24, 2025, in Fort Wayne. She was born in Wheeling, West Virginia to the late Oscar and Mary Crupe.

Ila Mae Tata was an amazing woman who shared her steadfast faith and religion with her family and friends. As she often shared her story with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, she was born in the hills of Wheeling, West “by God” Virginia and loved her walks in the woods and hollers of the land god created and beautified for her to see. As Ila began her journey into adulthood, she enlisted in the United States Army into the Women’s Army Corp where she served her country. Upon return from her service in the Army she married and had three daughters and raised five stepchildren as if they were her own.

Ila was an amazing mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who shared her love with all of them as whole-heartedly as an exceptionally bright guiding light and example for all to follow as they grew. Sharing her love for God without hesitation, it is apparent in the actions, caring and love all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren express amongst each other and those they encounter. Her example of showing kindness at every turn has been and will continue to be observed through the actions of those she touched so dearly.

Whenever faced with adversity, Ila would turn to her savior Jesus Christ and seek guidance for resolution. Her steadfast faith in God, allowed Ila to shoulder her burdens, find a way, and come out on the other side a better and stronger person. Her life was not easy, but she was determined to provide for her girls.  Sometimes this meant working late into the night.  Ila made it work so that she always put a roof over her children’s head and had food for them to eat. Sometimes being able to provide some extras but mostly being able to sustain the necessities for her daughters to have a home.  If you have had the chance to witness her strength and resolve, you will also see those traits apparent throughout her family, down to the youngest of great-grandchildren.

Upon her two oldest daughters graduating from high school and moving on with their lives, Ila returned to school and acquired her Certified Nursing Assistant degree and began her work in nursing homes working with the elderly. In continuing her education, she went on to receive her Bachelor of Human Services from the University of Indiana Fort Wayne and began her career at Parkview Mental Health Services performing clinical care for the mentally ill, until she retired.

Ila loved to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren doing puzzles, walking in the woods, swinging on her porch swing, telling stories, making up stories, and laughing until it hurt. Ila would often hold her grandchildren and view photo albums and tell stories from the yester years. She had the ability to make people smile when times were hard, and to calm a room when tensions were high. Often gathering family for dinners on Sunday’s, family would show up and she would have a spread to make sure no one every left hungry. If you showed up at her house, she would first welcome you then ask if you want something to eat. As if she knew she could win your heart over with a warm meal and a feeling that you were always welcome.

Though Ila has gained her wings, has ascended to the heavens to be with her almighty God, she will continue to be present in our hearts and minds daily, and this can be witnessed by the actions of those she loved and touched so dearly in her time here on earth. She will be forever missed but will never be forgotten.

Ila is survived by her husband of 28 years, Michael Tata; children, Kelly (Todd) Haller, Kimberly (Ryan) Bridgewater, Kari (Brian) Miller; stepchildren, Thomas Wendling Jr., Nancy Harbin, Ramon (Ed) Wendling, Mark Wendling; 16 grandchildren; a multitude of great-grandchildren; and siblings, James Crupe and Sylvia Crupe. She was preceded in death by her stepson, Patrick Wendling; brothers, Ronnie Crupe, Tommy Crupe, Chuck Crupe, Dave Crupe, and Sonny Crupe; and sisters, Charlotte Richardville, Shirley Stanley, and Marty Wilson. Viewing will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, and a funeral service will take place following the visitation at 11:00 am located at Northridge Baptist Church (1300 E. Cook Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825). To sign the online guestbook, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com