Ilah Grile, a resident of Pennville, Indiana, USA, passed away on 23 January, at the age of 110 years, 330 days.
Ilah Grile was born in Pennville, on 27 February 1915, to parents William Albert Ogan and Alice Arvilla Stewart. She sold candy door-to-door as a child, growing up on her parents’ 40-acre farm just outside of Pennville. At some point in her youth, she discovered her passion for baking. She graduated with the Pennville High School class of 1933.
On 6 April 1941, she married Willard Herbert Grile in Jay County, Indiana. Grile and her husband loved to travel, often camping at various locations across the United States. Beginning in 1969, Grile co-owned the I&M Foodliner grocery store in Pennville with her son, Mike, for approximately 18 years. She was also widely known for her dedication to Sugar Grove Church of the Nazarene, where she taught Sunday School for more than 50 years.
On 7 December 2025, following the passing of Ruth MacNeil, she became the oldest known living person in the U.S. state of Indiana.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Ilah Grile during this difficult time.
