Ilona (Reuter) Popp, 78, of Sellersburg, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly at her home on June 14, 2025. She was born in Wolfenbüttel, Germany, on August 16, 1946, to the late Margarete Gertrude Binner.

Coming from a small family in Germany, Ilona moved to the United States at age 23 to marry her husband Charlie, whom she met while he was on assignment in Germany for his job with General Electric. Together, they built a vibrant life in Indiana, where she became part of the large, lively, and loving Popp family. Family was her life's greatest joy — from her husband and daughter to grandchildren, in-laws, and many nieces and nephews spanning three generations.

She ran her own business, Ilona Popp's Bookkeeping Service, serving businesses and individuals across southern Indiana and Louisville. She split her time between her home office and clients' workplaces, building long-standing relationships grounded in trust and reliability. Committed to her work, she continued serving clients up until her passing. Ilona made it a priority to show up for her family. Whether it was a ball game, music performance, play, magic show, birthday, or graduation, she was there. She had a gift for connecting with her neighbors, many of whom became lifelong friends. Lunches and outings with them brought her joy, and her social calendar stayed happily full. Ilona loved to shop and was always on the hunt for a great deal – eager to share coupons, sales, and her latest finds. She also loved to travel all over the U.S. and Europe, especially returning to Germany to visit her family and friends. Ilona's life was one of connection, generosity, and being there – whenever and however she could. Ilona was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Charlie. Survivors include her daughter Sonja Popp (Scott Pugh), grandsons Gavin and Tristan Stahly of Carmel, Indiana, and granddaughter Julie Pugh of Indianapolis, Indiana. She is also survived by her brother Klaus Reuter of Essen, Germany; sister-in-law Donna Popp of San Antonio, Texas; brother-in-law William "Bud" Sanderfer of Louisville, Kentucky; as well as cousins Hannelore Bohlmann of Königslutter, Germany; and Crista (Helmut) Hoppmann of Braunschweig, Germany; along with many other cousins, nieces and nephews both in Germany and in the U.S.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Garr Funeral Home (7806 Highway 311, Sellersburg). A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, at the St. Joe Hill Chapel of St. John Paul II Catholic Church (2253 W. St. Joe Road, Sellersburg).