Dorothy Ilene (Wise) Rees passed away on March 6, 2021, at the Lena Living Center, Lena, Illinois.  Ilene was born October 12, 1927, at home in Willow, Illinois to Esther (Noll) and Leon Wise. The third of five daughters, she was raised in Willow on two farms, the first owned by her grandfather and the second by her father. Her childhood was filled with chores, music nights with the neighbors where her father played violin or guitar and sang, services at the Willow Methodist Church, classes at the Willow School, and mischief with her sisters.  Ilene graduated from Stockton High School a semester early, and joined her sister Eula in Rockford working at the American Cabinet Company to earn money for nursing school. In March 1947, Ilene started a three-year nursing course at Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing in Freeport, Illinois. IIene graduated from nursing school in May 1950 and worked for Dr. Kortemeier, an ophthalmologist with a surgical practice in Freeport.

Ilene married the love her life, Donald C. Rees on October 10, 1953. At that time, she joined St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Lena, Il, where she remains a member. They had two children Dennis and Susan. Ilene continued to work in the hospital and as a private duty nurse until 1983. She and Don moved to the family farm in 1963, where she lived until February 2021. IIene helped Don farm crops, and raise, cattle, hogs, and sheep. She always enjoyed being outdoors and was an avid gardener and canner. Ilene enjoyed embroidery, tatting, and quilting when she wasn't farming. Family was everything to Ilene, and family had a broad definition, including step-grandchildren, cousins, friends, neighbors, and their extended families. Ilene was interested in everyone and always wanted to know the news.

Ilene is survived by her husband Donald, daughter Susan (John Hofmann), sister Joann Magee, two grandchildren Aaron and Brent Rees, step-grandson Eric Weeks, and step-granddaughter, Rachel Hofmann, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and friends whom she held dear.

Ilene was preceded in death by her son Dennis, granddaughter Angella, her parents, and sisters Bernice Bucher, Eula Hayden, and Carol Buck.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, March 9, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Leamon's Funeral Home, Lena.

Funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Lena. Due to COVID restrictions, attendance will be limited at the church. Masking and social distancing requirements will be required.

Interment will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery directly following services.

Ilene's family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided by the staff at Monroe Clinic Hospice and the Lena Living Center.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Ilene's name.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com