Ilona McDill

Born at home Oct. 15, 1938, in Duluth, Minnesota, Ilona Gene McDill was the first of seven siblings. There, she developed a deep love of nature and all living creatures a part of it. Her passion for horses also flourished early and became an integral part of her entire life.
After high school, Ilona found her way to Kansas City Art Institute in pursuit of another love, art. Soon after she met Francis (Jerry) Cameron, married, and raised five children. Ranch life was in her blood and Custer, S.D., became the place she chose to realize so many of her dreams.
Ilona brought passion to everything she believed in.  There was never a mountain vista un-revered, an living creature left unloved, a sunrise unappreciated, a dance floor left undanced, a challenge left unchallenged, a business idea unexecuted, a social issue unargued, a flower left un-smelled and a Lightfoot song unsung. She exhibited her love of these things with beauty and grace.
Ilona’s proudest accomplishments were realized through her family. She taught us through her examples that there is nothing we can’t do. Her legacy can be seen through the influence realized by her friends and family. She will be deeply missed.
Ilona died Jan. 12, 2023, in Custer. She was 85.
She was preceded in death by her Father, Horace Stover; Mother, Imogene Stover; Sister, Joanne Stover; Husband, Francis (Jerry) Cameron; Son, Scott Cameron; and Husband, Tom McDill.
Ilona is survived by her siblings, Wanda and Warren Carlson, Anita Stover, Horace (Buck) and Kathy Stover, Candy and Ed Barbo and Russell Stover; Sons, Horace Steele Cameron, Francis and Teri Cameron, and Russell and Molli Cameron; Daughter, Ilona (Bunny) Cameron; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life is planned for the spring in Custer. More information to come.
Arrangements have been placed under the local direction of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.

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