Margaret “Ilene” Orcutt- Earlville

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.”
Please share a memory of Ilene at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.
Stay Connected with 94.7 KMCH
Add 94.7 KMCH as a preferred source on Google to see more local news, weather, and sports in your feed.
Follow us on Facebook for breaking news, severe weather alerts, sports, and more.


