Obituary of Ila Underhill
Ila Underhill (nee Maxwell) of Brandon, formerly of Moline, MB, passed away at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the age of 92 years. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend. Ila is survived by her daughter Rodale (Mike) Ketcheson and her family Jarrett (Shawna), Joel, Hailey and Kayden; Bryce (Jamie), Audrey and Eric and Kiersten (Jeremy) Lancaster, Hattie; son Norman (Sandi) and his family Jerri (Dallas), Judd, Danni, Clayton and Lincoln; Kandi (Ben), Howard Colby, Katie, Blair and Dustin Underhill and son Neil Underhill. Also left to mourn are her sister Verna Gallant, brother-in-law Doug Fowler and their families. Ila was predeceased by her husband Rod, daughter Karen, parents Vern and Ellen Maxwell, sisters Greta Bridgeman, Buella Fowler and brothers-in-law Allan Gallant and Arnold Bridgeman. Ila was born on November 24, 1933 in Dryden, Ontario, the second daughter to Vern and Ellen Maxwell and moved west with her family at an early age. After the family moved to Manitoba she attended school in Souris, Moline and Brandon, taking a business course at Wheat City Business College. Ila married Rod Underhill on September 20, 1952 and they enjoyed 72 years together. She moved to the Underhill home farm where they raised their four children. Ila enjoyed country living, the peace and tranquility of the country and cherished the history and heritage of the Centennial farm. She took great pride in her home and yard and was happiest when all the family were gathered around the dining room table. Ila worked with the student council at Rivers Collegiate and then at Rapid City Elementary School as an educational assistant. Her interests were fashion, home decor, landscaping and cooking, but her greatest joy was her family and the joy that each of the children brought and in turn each grandchild and great grandchild. Ila will be missed and lovingly remembered by her family and friends. A private family service for Ila was held.
