Ilona Mary Luther

Ilona Mary Luther, age 94, resided most recently in Porterville with her son Joseph. She died on December 7, 2022 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho at the home of her daughter Florie Stoltz. Ilona was born on August 4, 1928 in New York, New York of Hungarian immigrant Irene Szemacs, and Foma(Thomas)Bondar of the Russian Empire. She grew up in New York where she attended St. Patrick's High School.
Ilona left New York when she was 19, and moved across the country to San Jose, California, where she met her husband James Arnold Luther. They married on June 17, 1951. They spent the first part of their life in Southern California in Canoga Park. They later moved to Springville, California after buying a ranch to "get out of the rat race.' James passed
away on February 14, 1995; Ilona moved to Visalia, California after James' death and remained a widow until her passing.
She was educated throughout most of her life by seminars and classes related to health
and natural healing with herbs, reflexology, and iridology. Most of her occupation was dedicated to nutrition. She worked for Nature's Sunshine Products for approximately 40 years. She started her business out of her home in Springville, and it grew enough that she moved her business to a little closet in the Porterville Mall. Later, she moved "Ilona's Herbal Nook" to Olive Street in Porterville, and later moved it into her home in Visalia. She loved helping people with the use of vitamins and herbs. She helped so many people and generously gave her time and expertise in
the area of natural health and nutrition. She was very good at what she did.
Ilona loved her traditional Catholic faith, her family, entertaining her close friends, and
traveling with her Nature's Sunshine family. She was always generous and gracious to
both family and friends, and was loved by all. She worked tirelessly for others and
enjoyed many friendships. She was a strong independent and photogenic woman. She
always dressed well and looked like a million bucks.
Ilona is survived by Florie (Luther) Stoltz, her daughter, who lives with her husband David Stoltz of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and her grandchildren Cecilia Stoltz, Dominic Stoltz,
Gregory Stoltz, Garrett Stoltz, and William Stoltz; and her son Joseph Luther of
Porterville. She was preceded by her oldest son James Randolph, who passed away a
few months prior on June 27, 2022, leaving his ex-wife Odette Luther of Tulare as her
daughter-in-law, and grandchildren Aundrea Luther, Eveone Luther, and James Luther.
Ilona also leaves behind her sister Bonnie Jensen of Springville (100). Ilona was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. We all loved her very much, and she will be sorely missed by all.
A Visitation will be held at Myers Chapel on Monday, December 19, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. A Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Myers Chapel on Monday, December 19, 2022 at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at San Joaquin National Cemetery, 32053 W. McCabe Road, Santa Nella, California 95322 on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 10:00 AM. Arrangements are being handled by Myers Funeral Service and Crematory, 248 North E Street, Porterville, California 93257. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.myersfuneral.com