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Ilene Critchfield Mai

Mar. 22, 1938 - Aug. 5, 2023

Date of Service: Aug. 12, 2023

BURLEY – Ilene Critchfield Mai, an 85-year-old resident of Burley, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, August 5, 2023, at Pomerelle Place in Burley.

She was born March 22, 1938, in Oakley, Idaho, the oldest child of Golden Nile and Wanda Nelson Critchfield. She received her education in Oakley and graduated from Oakley High School in 1956. Ilene married William Eugene “Bill” Mai on June 7, 1957, in Oakley. Following their marriage they resided in Burley where they engaged in farming.

In 1977, Ilene started her career in education with Cassia County Joint School District. She was the secretary at Overland Elementary School until its closure. She subsequently transferred to Mountain View Elementary where she worked in the media center. When White Pine Elementary opened, she assisted in opening the media center and worked with the students in the computer lab until her retirement. She was loved by her co-workers and students and she often heard former students yell out, “Hello Mrs. Mai,” when they would see her.

Ilene was active in the community throughout her life. She enjoyed her time as a Pink Lady at Cassia Memorial Hospital and completed her service in the ladies auxiliary at Cassia Regional Hospital. During this time she made countless friends and worked with many youth giving them the opportunity to learn from her outstanding people skills. She also enjoyed the book club in which she belonged.

She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in the Relief Society presidency, as Primary president, and Primary pianist in the Star 1st Ward for many years. Upon moving to the Burley 1st Ward she enjoyed playing the piano in the Primary.

Wherever Ilene lived, she was adored and loved by her friends and neighbors. When visiting her at her home she always asked, “Can I get you a coke?” - or - “Would you stay for supper?” However, most notably spoken was, “Toodeloo,” – she never believed in saying goodbye.

Ilene is survived by her children, Kalli Mai Carico, Eric William Mai (Christina), and Kristen Mai Campos (Jesse) all of Boise; her grandchildren, Brock Fairchild (Kourtney), Kolt Mai Carico, Taylor Mai (Brittany), Colby Mai (Kassaundra), Brady Mai, Rylee Converse (Mark), Shea Randall, Brittlyn Randall, Jacoby Kechter, Kaylee de Wit (Nate), and Bode Campos; great-grandchildren, Malia Fairchild, Brooklyn Fairchild, Kai Carico, Emric de Wit, and Kase Converse; siblings, Cheryle Bateman (Lee) of Boise, Janice Wiseman of Milford, Utah, Krinn McCoy (Chuck) of Jarbidge, Nevada, Karma Davis (Byron) of Sandy, Utah, and Jeff Critchfield (Shawnae) of Burley; her husband’s siblings, Bob Mai (Vera) of Rupert, Jim Mai (Barbara) of Burley, Jack Mai (Merete) of Burley, Jerry Mai (Billie) of Payette, and Helen Haynes of Burley; and her bonus children, Bryan and Sharla Bessire of Heyburn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Scott Critchfield; and her husband, Bill Mai.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 12, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Burley Idaho West Stake Center, located at 2420 Parke Avenue, in Burley, with Bishop Jeremy B. Haymore officiating. Burial will be in Oakley Cemetery.

Friends and family will be received from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, August 11, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th Street, in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday, preceding the funeral, at the church.

The family expresses their sincere appreciation to the staff at Pomerelle Place and to Enhabit Hospice for the outstanding and loving care shown to our mother.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available and maintained at the following link: https://youtu.be/7PMbcwINM7A.

Listen to the Service:

Condolences for Ilene Critchfield Mai

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Kolt Mai Carico:

Grandma, I love you so much and I will miss you more than you could ever know. I know Grandpa sure is happy to see you though and welcomed you to heaven right next to our heavenly Father with a great big hug, and probably saying, well damn ilene took you long enough. Once again grandma I love you so much and I will miss you everyday. Love Kolt (Koltrin)

From Sinéad & Eoghan Murphy:

So sorry for the loss of your beautiful sister Jeff, thinking of you, Shawnae and all of your family.

From carolyn staker:

I met Ilene while working as a volunteer at Cassia Hospital. She was a major part of our Monday workers. She was full of fun, always up for mischief and kept us in good spirits. Ilene had the best stories of her life experiences. One of my favorites was when she accidently left her husband at the rest stop. I cherish the memory of this wonderful lady. Condolence to the family. She will be missed by all who had the opportunity to know her.

From Kathy Larson, Knopp:

Ilene was my piano teacher when I was younger. She always had a smile and always happy. My condolences to the family.

From Jeff Carico:

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."
From a headstone in Ireland

From Marcella White and Nadene Mondt:

Ilene was a joy to be around. She always had so much to say and kept us laughing. Mom (Nadene) and I picked her up last summer and took her to Oakley with us. She was still sharp and showed us all around town remembering her and Mom's old stomping grounds. Ilene was a friend to all and she will be missed here. I’m sure she is overjoyed to be in heaven with the others in our family. Kalli, Eric, and Kristen our prayer is that you find comfort in the memories of your dear mom, and the love of our Savior. We are sad we won’t be able to attend the service. We love you.

From Sheila B. Adams:

My best memory is the story of “the flower for Ilene” from Bryan and Shar. Ilene had a personality which drew everyone in. She will always be missed. My sympathy to all.

From Pat and Nels Moller:

Ilene was a wonderful sister-in-law and a dear friend. She was always caring and so much fun. My condolences to Kalli, Eric, Kristen and the entire family.

From Dena Newcomb:

When I was young and hanging out with Kalli I loved going to their house to visit. Ilene was so sweet and kind and we would always have fun being there. She was truly a sweet and special spirit. She will truly be missed. I’m so sorry for your loss!!

From Bryson Bell:

Goodbye Aunt I, miss you & love you

From Brian and Debra Barlow:

We are so sad to lose such a delightful, wonderful friend. We loved Ilene so much. She made us laugh, cry, and about every other emotion you could feel. We know she needed to go back home and be with Bill and other family members but she leaves a mighty big hole. We are sad that she had to go through the emptiness that dementia or Alzheimer’s leaves at the end but glad she no longer suffers with it. We are also very sad that we will not be here to say goodbye. We are headed out of town from Thursday night until a week from Saturday. Please know our thoughts, hearts, love and prayers are with you all. We love her and we love you!!

From Marvella Martinez and Family:

I am so sorry for your loss. She will always be remembered. Grandma Mai we love you and you will always live in our hearts.

From Dena Ferlic:

Ilene lived next door to my Mom, Bette Smith, at Pomerelle Place. She was warm & welcoming to Mom when she first moved in. We loved her sense of humor & her friendship towards Mom. She will be missed. God’s Peace to her family.

From Shirley Pike and family:

I am so sorry for your loss, I will always remember Irene's laughter and her wonderful sense of humor. God Bless

From Layne fullmer:

Sorry for your loss. I know what its like. I've been there with both my parents and a sister and a brother-in-law.

From Richard Williams:

Goodbye Ilene. A lifelong and true friend.

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