Ila Mari Klatka

Around 1940 the Klatka family of Munson Ohio, had rented the farmhouse which is how she met her future husband, Joe Klatka.

They dated in high school, and both graduated in 1950. Seven months later they were married at the Baptist Church in Chesterland. Shortly thereafter, Joe was drafted into the service and would spend almost 3 years in training and Korea as an MP. During this time, Ila stayed at her parents' home in Chesterland.

When Joe returned home from duty, his mother owned land in Munson, Ohio. Joe built a home on this property in 1953 which stands now at 11031 Mayfield Rd., Munson, Ohio. He built this house with Ila's input on how she wanted it arranged.

In 1954 she gave birth to a daughter, Linda and then in 1956 her son Steve was born. She often told us this was her Dream.

Joe's brother, Paul, owned the MoonGlo Roller Rink in Kent, Ohio and convinced Joe to buy the Chagrin Valley Roller Rink in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. So, in 1963 Joe and Ila bought the Rink and moved to Chagrin Falls. This was Joe's Dream

They bought a duplex at 7141 Cedar St., Chagrin Falls. This home needed much updating. No insulation, crooked floors, no water pressure etc.. Also, the Roller Rink was in need of remodeling. Joe was very handy and went about fixing everything.

Without any warning, Ila's father passed away Dec 1965. Without any warning, Ila's brother passed away 10 months later in Oct. 1966 of brain cancer. With short warning, 6 months later, her husband died April 1967 from brain cancer.

In the summer of 1967, she found herself a single mother of 2 children and owner/operator of a business which was her husband's dream.

Not knowing much about the business, she went forward and ran the business the best she could.

There were many good times and many bad times. Seeing the kids at the rink grow up and bring their children and then grandchildren was exceptionally satisfying. With a business it is common to get many trivial lawsuits which nearly sent her into a nervous breakdown.

She was very much close to her high school friends and relatives. In her later years, she made a trip to the Shetland Islands to meet her cousins. She often attended the Keyte Reunion even hosting the event one year.

Ila would hold Christmas Eve Parties at her Roller Rink for all of her 8 in laws, their spouses and her 58 neices and nephews.

It wasn't uncommon to have more than 100 relatives show up for Christmas Eve.

Ila sold the Chagrin Valley Roller Rink in 2014 to her friend and manager, Alyson Kindlesparker, who at this time runs the business.

Throughout her life Ila was met with many challenges. Losing her husband, daughter-in-law and grandson, having to run the business alone for 47 years and having survived breast cancer.