Mr. John Ila Rash, better known as “Ila” age 88, of West Jefferson passed away Wednesday morning at his residence. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 2pm at Boone Family Funeral Home with Rev. Ken Furches, Rev. Dave Adams, and Rev. Jimmy Rash officiating. Burial will follow in the Ray Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 11, 2017 from 1-2pm at Boone Family Funeral Home. John Ila Rash was born on February 29, 1928 to Nathan and Molly Rash. He grew up in Ashe County but lived for a brief time, working on a ranch, in Pendleton, Oregon. He served in the Army and was a Korean War Veteran. He spent most of his life farming beef cattle and Christmas trees. He enjoyed traveling to cattle sales around the area while often bringing home additions for his herd. He also had a love for gardening, especially growing beautiful ornamental and edible pumpkins. He is preceded in death by eleven brothers and sisters. He loved to visit with his many nieces and nephews and especially enjoyed his yearly family reunion. He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Ann Graybeal Rash of the home. Two sons, Ronald Rash of Winston- Salem and John Edward Rash and wife (Darby) of West Jefferson. Also, surviving is one grandson, Tyler Rash and wife (Micala) of Johnson City, Tennessee and his sister, Hazel Rash of Towson, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Medi Home Hospice, PO Box 421, Jefferson, NC 28640.