Ilene Orcutt

Margaret “Ilene” Orcutt, 95, of Earlville, passed away on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the Good Neighbor Home, Manchester, Iowa. The family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Earlville United Parish, Earlville, Iowa. A Memorial Service will follow at 12:30 p.m. at the church. Burial will take place at the Fairview Cemetery, Earlville, Iowa. Clifton-Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Earlville, Iowa is assisting the family.

Ilene was born on March 29, 1931, in Masonville, the daughter of Harold and Laura (Jones) Scott. She graduated from Manchester High School and married Lyle Orcutt on March 3, 1949, at the historic Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

Ilene devoted several years to serving as a cook at Maquoketa Valley Elementary School in Earlville, where she was known for her hard work and caring spirit. Above all, she cherished her role as a homemaker and took great pride in raising and caring for her family. She was an active member of the Earlville United Parish, UMW, and the Earlville Women’s Legion Auxiliary.

Ilene had a deep love for the outdoors and especially enjoyed camping, and mushroom hunting with her family. She also loved attending bluegrass festivals and spending winters down south with Lyle. Most of all, Ilene treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, and extended family. Her kindness, warmth, and love for family will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Ilene is survived by her children, Deb (Steve) Ries of Manchester, Diana (Lee) Wilson of Manchester, Iowa, Lila (Mark) Thomas of Marion, Iowa, Brian (Tammy) Orcutt of Beaver Creek, Ohio, Michael (Janet) Orcutt of Earlville, Mitchell (Cheri) Orcutt of Delhi, Iowa; 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchild with 2 on the way; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Laura Scott; husband, Lyle Orcutt; granddaughters, Shelli Wilson, Janel Ries; twin sister, Darlene Durey; sister, Donna Pilgrim; and her brother, Donald Scott.

“In lieu of flowers, donors may choose the organization or cause to which they would like to make a donation.”