Obituary of Ila Mae La Mar Dockery Sutherlin

1920 - 2026

The Celebration of Life service for Ila Mae La Mar Dockery Sutherlin was held September 5th in

Wickenburg, Arizona. Ila Mae passed away 8/15/2026, in Phoenix, having celebrated her 106th birthday just the month prior. At her passing she was 106 years, one month, and twelve days. Ila was surrounded by those who loved her as she left this season of her life.

Ila Mae was born 7/3/1920, in Sunshine AZ. The closest location to Sunshine is Meteor Crater between Flagstaff, and Winslow Arizona. Family would at times tease her about being born next to the railroad tracks, but the reality of it was, her father worked for the Santa Fe Railroad as a section foreman and was stationed on the route at that location. When her mother began laboring to deliver Ila, her father had to use a ""pump car" to go to Flagstaff to retrieve the doctor. Before they could get back, Ila Mae had already entered this world with the assistance of a Navajo midwife.

In 1923, the young family would move to Morristown AZ where they would reside for the next 78 years. Ila was one of seven children with her being the middle child. Her older siblings in birth order Ena, Clyde (known as Smokey), De Loss, then Ila, Dorothy, Dwight, and Beverlee. Ena already married and having a son, Howard who was considered to be the eighth child as he grew-up with the younger of the siblings who were actually his aunts and uncle.

Ila's schooling began in a one room school house in Morristown during her elementary school years and she graduated from Wickenburg High School in May 1938. Upon graduation from high school she would attend Lamson Business College in Phoenix where she completed the Secretarial Program before becoming a Stenographer for Korricks' Dept. Store followed by taking a similar position with Ed Luke Motor Co.,(today recognized as Bill Luke Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram) a family-owned automotive dealership since 1927. It was not long until Ila was

hired by the US Army Service Command Unit #1921 partly based on her civil service rating.

She was hired as a secretary, however during her employment she would also become the sole court stenographer for the military trial of those held responsible for the escape that happened on 12/23/1944, of twenty-five German Prisoners of War held at Papago Park Military Base. She took all the minutes by shorthand which were then transcribed by three other individuals. She always was bothered that she was not allowed to review the transcription because she sometimes made little side notes that were intended for her recall, but for expediency they used others to assist with the transcription of the minutes.

Ila Mae met her future husband Jesse Robert (Bob) Dockery through one of his sister's who was a friend of Ila's. Jesse had just returned home following his honorable discharge from the U.S. Army having served during WWII in the Pacific Theatre. They would marry in February 1947, and together they would have three children: Jim, Deanna, and Debbie. Jesse and Ila Mae were married for twenty-four years.

Jesse went to work for Metropolitan Water District in 1952, and shortly thereafter, Ila went to work part time for the San Bernardino Justice Court located at Parker Dam, CA. It was not long

however, until MWD Gene Headquarters hired Ila also on a part time basis, however it didn't take long until Ila Mae would go full time. She was the first female hired in the field by MWD. The field was considered the outposts /or/ stations of the MWD Aqueduct of Southern California.) Ila Mae retired in 1979, after twenty years of dedicated service. She was a force to be reckoned with and a work ethic to match. One of the notes she received when she retired, stated, "never has one person done so much for so many and received so little." What was not realized, was that Ila Mae truly loved what her job required of her, and she did it joyfully.

Ila Mae was both a career woman, and was able to keep her children paramount in her life. She is remembered for reading and praying with her children each night of their childhood. She could be heard whistling or humming cheerful tunes while doing household chores on her days off. The Mohave County Library in Lake Havasu City was special to Ila for many years as she loved books especially poetry or inspirational books. She always felt there was no greater place for gathering knowledge than a library. Ila loved bowling. She was fairly good at it even though she would understate her skill level. She competed on Leagues in Lake Havasu City, Henderson Nevada, and Glendale, Arizona. Ila continued bowling up into her 80's. In her 60's she took up tap dancing. As an empty nest parent, she returned to college, taking classes of interest to her while attending Mohave Community College where she earned quite a few credit hours, but for her it wasn't the credits as much as the pleasure she got from the knowledge enrichment.

It was not uncommon when the La Mar family would get together, there would be an impromptu jam session with guitars, banjo, harmonica, and sometimes someone at the piano. Ila herself did not play any musical instrument, but that didn't stop her. She was always up for singing along or dancing the night away at the annual La Mar family reunion. Ila would not let a good family gathering go to waste. As much as the siblings enjoyed getting together, they also enjoyed good food and playing cards. Friday night was taco and beer night at Ena's with dinner always being followed by a game of penny poker. Everyone in the family knew this was the way things rolled on Friday nights and if you could be there, you would be there. Ila always enjoyed Friday nights with her mom and sister.

Ila married a second time, marrying John Wesley Sutherlin, not once but twice, the first time in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico (1979) and a second time in Las Vegas, Nevada (1985). They were married for 37 years until his passing in 2016.

Ila adored her son-in-laws, Dan Beaver and Stan Hoover, both were very good to her. Likewise, she was interested in their activities and tried to stay enlightened on current events where she could have engaging conversations with them. She loved her grandkids, each and every one of them. With the grandsons she was especially interested in their sports activities and with the granddaughters it was their dance and gymnastics.

Ila Mae was preceded in death by her husband, John; by her parents Colonel Horald (C.H.) and

Ila Mamie (Casebier) LaMar; by her son Jim Dockery and her grand-daughter Barbara Jo

Beaver. Ila is survived by two daughters and their spouses: Deanna Beaver (Dan) and Debbie Hoover (Stan); seven grandchildren: Jamie Lynn Campos, Jim Beaver (Tiffany), Stosh Hoover (Melissa), Jenna Reily (Gene), Natalie Graves (Tyler), Trent Beaver (Jenni) and Jason Hoover (Grace); thirteen great-grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren.

Final arrangements have been handled by the Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory, Wickenburg, AZ. Comfort care was provided by Hospice of the West. Much appreciation and gratitude is extended for the loving care given to Ila over the last ten years by her daily caregivers: Stana and Pete Olari, who were truly, her angels on this earth.

The Celebration of Life for Ila Mae was held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at

Wickenburg Funeral Home Chapel, with burial in the Morristown Cemetery where she will be resting amongst her siblings and her parents. Ila's daughters extend their gratitude to

Funeral Director, Kevin Lane and Officiant, Pastor Duane Middleton for their part in giving Ila

the send off, she herself would have approved.

Following the services her daughters, Deanna and Debbie hosted a luncheon for those in attendance to join them at Anita's Cocina Restaurant in Wickenburg. Much appreciation is extended to Sherry Hunt, her son, Darren and their staff for the making of what was a perfect luncheon.

From Ila's daughters' they want to thank those who have offered condolences, thoughts, and prayers. It means a lot to both of them. "Mom lived a long and full life and for that we are grateful. "Mom will be missed immensely, but always near in our fond memories and as she lives on in our heads." What would Mom say, what would Mom do?" Mom, would say, "There is a season for all things."