Racine – Ilona Marie Harden, 63, passed away unexpectedly in the emergency room of Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Tuesday, October 27, 2009.

Ilona was born on January 7, 1946 in Racine, WI, to the late Oscar and Frances Hardin, the second of five children born to that union.

Ilona graduated from Washington Park High School in 1965. Shortly after graduation, she accepted the position of Operator at Wisconsin Bell, from where she retired after 16 years of faithful service. Ilona accepted Christ at the early age of five and united with St. Paul Missionary Baptist under the leadership of Reverend J. B. Bailey. Ilona served as an usher and was a faithful member.

Ilona enjoyed playing cards, traveling, and shopping. She was always on top of the latest fashion trends, especially the jewelry, handbags and shoes. She was an avid watcher of the Food Network from which she discovered an array of great recipes. Ilona loved spending time with family and friends. She made sure to keep in contact with everyone throughout the year. In the event anyone needed to contact or reach a family member, Ilona was the liaison for that reunion.

Ilona was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Frances Hardin; brother, Oscar Hardin; brother in-law, Ernest Stewart; sister in-law, Rita Hardin; and sister, Christine Folsom.

Ilona leaves to cherish her memories three sons, Terrance Griffin (Sandra) of Xenia, OH, Terrill Griffin (Jackie) of Burnsville, MN, and Eugene Jackson of Chandler, AZ; sister, Ilinda Stewart of Laveen, AZ; brother, Royce Hardin (Rosalyn) of Mesa, AZ; and aunt, Ella Robinson of Racine, WI. She also leaves six grandchildren, Jamael, Tiara, TeVonté, Terrill, Taryn, Tariana, God-daughter, Zackarah Ilyyana Wright, and a host of foster children, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends who will miss her dearly.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 11:00 am in St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1123 Center St., with Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the church on Monday from 9-11 am.