Illa Delberta (Montgomery) Moffett, age 85 of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, December 11, 2023 at home surrounded by family members. Illa was born July 17, 1938 in Sacramento, California. Her parents were Delbert and Miriam (DeMerritt) Montgomery. Illa graduated from high school in Davis, California in 1956. In high school she was the pitcher for the girls softball team and was a lifeguard/teacher at the Davis community pool. In 1956 she met Russell Moffett while attending a square dance with her parents. She married Russ in 1958 and later moved to Michigan in 1965 where she resided until her death. Illa was an active outdoors woman. She shot her first jack rabbit at age four. Illa also bagged ducks, pheasants, mule deer and whitetail deer. Illas passion was art. She was an accomplished artist and photographer. Illa loved to travel in sparsely populated areas of Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the Western United States. She graduated with a Bachelor of Education Degree from Central Michigan University and earned her teaching certificate in 1975. Illa was a substitute teacher in the Big Rapids area for over 20 years. She was a strong advocate for womens rights and believed women should have the same opportunities and pay as men. She leaves behind her husband of 65 years, Russell Moffett; son, Anson (Trudy) Moffett of Montana; two daughters, Katherine Moffett of Big Rapids and Cynthia (Brian deceased) Milligan of Big Rapids; ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. There will be a Celebration of Life from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, December 30, 2023, with a time of sharing, at Norwich Township Hall (7213 N Cypress Ave, Big Rapids). Memorial contributions may be made in Illas name to Artworks (www.artworksinbigrapids.org) or Corewell Health Hospice (give.corewellhealth.org/hospice/donate). Arrangements and care entrusted to Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Celebration Of Life Saturday, December 30, 2023 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM Norwich Township Hall 7213 N Cypress Avenue Big Rapids,MI 49307