Illa Edna Neal

3/1/1928 – 5/23/2024

Illa is survived by her daughter; Brenda Libby and her son, Larry Hoyt, two brothers; Robert (Bobby) Malzhan and Fred (Fritz) Malzhan Jr. As well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends.

She was born in Wisconsin where she was raised on her parents farm with her twelve siblings. She moved to Tucson, AZ in 1956. She was taught a strong work ethic and carried that with her throughout her life and tried to pass that on to her children. She often worked three jobs to raise her four children primarily alone. She was always very independent and strong willed (I called it being stubborn). Even when she was 88, she was climbing on her roof to fix her own cooler.

Illa was always a very patriotic person. She was a lifelong member of VFW as well as Eagles, Elks and Moose lodge. She continued being of service to those organizations even after she could no longer drive or physically be able to be at their events in person. She made yearly contributions to her local police department and fire department. She also enjoyed being a member of The Antique Car Club for many years.

She had a very strong faith in God and was Lutheran. Although she was not actively involved or present at church services, she believed God was in her heart and around her at all times. When she was tending to her garden or animals, she felt closest to her Heavenly Father.

Her life was full of struggles and hardships but she always tried to maintain a positive attitude. She would say that she was ‘just trying to be pleasant’ towards those around her. She was a strong, kind, patient, gentle, loving, caring person with a heart of gold.

She is loved and missed by many.

A funeral service for Illa will be held Monday, June 3, 2024 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Funeraria Del Angel, 7 East University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85705. A graveside service will occur Monday, June 3, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at East Lawn Palms Mortuary, 5801 East Grant Road, Tucson, AZ 85712.