Longtime Carmel Resident Ila Badger Remembered for Volunteer Work and Kindness

Ila Badger, who died at 87, was a dedicated community volunteer alongside her late husband Jack Badger.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:21pm

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Ila Badger, a longtime resident of Carmel, Indiana, passed away on March 18 at the age of 87. Ila and her husband Jack Badger, who died in 2018, were known for their dedication to community volunteering and service. Ila was remembered for her kindness, support of her husband's projects, and willingness to listen to different perspectives as she worked to better the city of Carmel.

Why it matters

Ila Badger's life exemplified the value of community involvement and selfless service. As a longtime resident and volunteer, she left a lasting impact on Carmel through her work on various city committees and commissions, as well as her support for causes like organ donation awareness.

The details

Ila and Jack Badger were married for 59 years and were dedicated community volunteers in Carmel. Ila was known for supporting her husband's projects, such as helping to raise money for the CarmelFest fireworks show by making volunteer uniforms. She was also a regular attendee at local events like the Carmel Gazebo concerts. Ila served as a citizen representative on several Carmel city committees and commissions, where she provided valuable input and perspective, even when she didn't always agree with others. Additionally, the Badgers were actively involved in supporting the Indiana Donor Network, as Ila was a liver transplant recipient.

  • Ila Badger passed away on March 18, 2026 at the age of 87.
  • Ila's husband, Jack Badger, died in 2018.

The players

Ila Badger

A longtime resident of Carmel, Indiana who was known for her kindness, volunteer work, and dedication to bettering her community.

Jack Badger

Ila Badger's husband of 59 years, who also was a dedicated community volunteer in Carmel.

Jeff Worrell

A Carmel City Councilor who admired Ila Badger's support for her husband's projects and her willingness to listen to different perspectives.

John Schneider

A longtime friend and Carmel resident who recalled the Badgers' active involvement in supporting the Indiana Donor Network.

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What they’re saying

“She had an undying support for the projects that were important to her husband, the love of her life, Jack.”

— Jeff Worrell, Carmel City Councilor

“She was for the underdog, she was kind and had just a huge giving heart. Frankly that is why she was loved by so many people.”

— Jeff Worrell, Carmel City Councilor

“Rarely did a holiday or special day go by that Ila didn't have a basket of goodies for our grandchildren.”

— John Schneider, Carmel Resident

The takeaway

Ila Badger's life exemplified the power of community involvement, selfless service, and kindness. Her dedication to volunteering and supporting causes important to her husband and community left a lasting impact on Carmel, Indiana, and serves as an inspiration for others to follow in her footsteps.