Ilona J. Kovach

Ilona J. Kovach, 77, of Port Clinton, Ohio, passed away at the Willows of Bellevue, after a brief stay, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on April 17, 1947, the daughter of Albert and Eleanor (Schmidt) Kovach. After high school she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in biology and medical technology from Wayne State University. In 1977 she started working as a data entry operator for Magruder Hospital, in Port Clinton, until she retired in 1996.

Ilona’s focus in life was giving back to the community. She supported numerous local charities. One of her favorite activities was donating food to local food pantries so that others would not have to go without. She would often visit Kroger more than once a day to check out the reduced section and then donate the items purchased.

Ilona had a special devotion to her dogs. Her love of animals continued with support to local and national animal charities. She had a special place in her heart for Back to the Wild and their mission.

Ilona was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Port Clinton. She enjoyed helping with their many missions. She enjoyed helping with quilting and helped make numerous quilts for Project Linus. She had a special affinity in making Personal Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief. She would personally purchase the items needed and assemble over a hundred kits per year. She continued this task even while she was a resident of the Commons of Providence in Sandusky.

Ilona is survived by several close friends along with a number of cousins.

A memorial service for Ilona is scheduled for 10:30 AM, Saturday, March 15, 2025, at St. John Lutheran Church, 207 Adams St., Port Clinton, Ohio. Interment will be private at the Catawba Island Cemetery. Those wishing to donate in Ilona’s name to Back to the Wild, P.O. Box 423, 4504 Bardshar Road, Castalia, Ohio 44824. Arrangements are in the care of Gerner-Wolf-Walker Funeral Home, Port Clinton. Online condolences may be shared at www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.