Ila L. Meier

1935-2026

Ila L. Meier, 91, passed away Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, at Lexington Nursing Home in Salem, Ohio.

She was born in Salem, Ohio, on Jan. 9, 1935, to the late Clarence and Lucille (King) Votaw. She graduated from Salem High School and continued to be a lifelong resident of Salem.

Ila spent over twenty years working as a bookkeeper for American General Financial Services. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading a good book, starting a new crocheting project, embroidering, and traveling.

She met Jack Meier later in her life, and they married on Sept. 10, 1984. Ila then became a loving member of Jack’s family and bestowed a great deal of love on her husband and family.

Ila and Jack loved to travel together. They also spent many afternoons at the bowling alley, competing in a bowling league. Ila was a big fan of football and baseball, one of her prized possessions being a Cleveland Indians baseball she had received while at a game.

Ila leaves behind her daughters, Linda Saltsman and Debbie Ketchum; her grandchildren, Julie (Kevin) Dowdy and Doug (Wendy) Ketchum; her great-grandchildren, Christian, Abriell, Katie, and Kyleigh; and her beloved sister, Karen (Roger) Zeigler. She will also be dearly missed by a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jack Meier, who passed away on Sept. 7, 2017; her two sons-in-law, Don Saltsman and Al Ketchum; and grandson, Jeffrey Ketchum. Ila was also preceded in death by five sisters, Alfreda Zimmerman, Dorothy Coffee, Leta Fae Wright, Ruth Zimmerman and Audrey Firth; as well as three brothers, Dwain Votaw, Clarence (Shorty) Votaw, and Dean Votaw.

Calling hours for Ila will be held from 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, at Stark Memorial Funeral Home, located at 1014 E. State St., Salem, Ohio. A funeral service will commence at noon at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to Concord Presbyterian Church, located at 10013 Salem Warren Road, Salem, Ohio 44460, or Winona Methodist Church, located at 32114 Winona Road, Winona, Ohio 44493.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home.

If unable to attend, send a complimentary “Hugs from Home” at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

To view Ila’s obituary, send condolences or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

1/28/26