Obituary of Ilse A. Klay

Ilse Anna Maria Klay, nee Gruwe, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away in her sleep at Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility on Thursday, May 22, 2025. She was 99 years old, born at home prematurely on November 13, 1925. No one expected her to live, but she almost made it to 100 years of age. She had incredible energy.

Ilse was predeceased by her husband Guenter, after 57 years of marriage. Together they built a home in Somers, NY, that was the scene of what became lovely memories of family and friend gatherings. Ilse was a professional dressmaker and was able to create, sew or alter clothing, along with upholstery and drapes; or give advice on how to make clothing, or any type of fabric item look better. She was also a great decorator, flower arranger and gardener. She had an amazing sense of color and style. She showed love and compassion to all.

Along with her husband, she was predeceased by her son Ralph. Ilse leaves behind a daughter Evelyn (Michael) Stenpeck; daughter-in-law, Annegret; 8 grandchildren, Mark (Julia), Caroline (Justin), Sean (Melissa), Sabrina (Albert), Tyson (Corina), Pam (Bryan), Scott (LaRae), and Paul (Julie); along with 14 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to give many thanks to Dr. Nadanaguru Akila for her many years of excellent care, along with the staff of Arnot Ogden Medical Center, and Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility – where she spent the last 4 months of life.

Well done Ilse, you certainly showed us how to do it!

There will be no funeral services at this time. A private burial will take place at Saint Mary Our Mother Cemetery, Horseheads, NY, at the convenience of the family.