Marian Harris
Marian E. Harris, 94, of Normal, passed away at 4:43 a.m. on May 8 at Heritage Manor in Normal.
Her funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at St. Luke Union Church in Bloomington with Pastor Andy Gifford officiating. Visitation will be from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington and 30 minutes prior to the service on Monday at her church.
Interment will be at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Bloomington. Memorials may be made to St. Luke Union Church. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.
Marian was born on April 9, 1921 in Troy, Illinois, a daughter of George A. and Berneice E. Paust Wilhelm. She married Russell S. Harris on June 27, 1943 in Bloomington. He preceded her in death on January 9, 2005.
Surviving are two sons, James E. (Martha) Harris of Tuscon, Ariz., Robert D. (Janet) Harris of Sycamore; two daughters, Beth Ann (David) Grossman of Amboy, Georgia Lou Harris of Rockford; nine grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren, including two sets of triplets; two sisters, Elsie Hinds of Springfield, Elden Mae Romine of Pine Knoll Shores, N.C. and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Nelson Wilhelm.
Marian was a farm wife. She was featured in Family Circle Magazine and was a published author for her baking and homemaking.
She was a member of St. Luke Union Church, Martha Circle and Bible Class. Marian served on the church council, was a Sunday school teacher and did much volunteer work in the church and community. She was a member of McLean Homemaker’s Extension, served on 4-H council and a 4-H leader for 20 years. She touched many lives.
Marian was loved by her family and friends and will be missed.
Online condolences and memories of Marian may be left for the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
Alta Litwiller
Alta Mae Litwiller, 103, of Normal, went to be with the Lord at 6:19 p.m. on May 12 at her residence in Normal.
A funeral service to celebrate her life will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at Mennonite Church of Normal with Pastor Tim Schrag officiating. Visitation will be from 3-6:00 p.m. on Monday at the church. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.
Interment will be at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Bloomington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Alta’s name to Mennonite Church of Normal, Living Alternatives and Ministry and More.
Alta was born on July 5, 1911 in Minonk, a daughter of Rev. Joseph “J.D.” and Emma Schertz Hartzler. She married Lester Litwiller on September 28, 1933 in her home in Gridley, IL. He preceded her in death on May 25, 1981.
Surviving is a daughter, Nancy J. (Carl) Miller of Marathon, Fla.; a son, James (Leanah) Litwiller of Normal; a sister, Ruth Ann Schertz of Normal; three grandchildren, Robert (Penni) Litwiller of Watertown, Wis., Andrew (Melissa) Litwiller of Normal, Daniel (Kimberly) Litwiller of Springfield and eight great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester; her parents; infant son, Robert and two brothers, Paul and Floyd.
Alta attended a one room school. She attended Goshen College and taught in a one room school house. She and her husband retired from farming in the Flanagan and Carlock area.
She was a lifelong member of Mennonite Church of Normal, Women’s Fellowship of the Church, Garfield Social Club and a Home Extension.
Alta loved entertaining family and friends and she opened her home for many celebrations with the assistance of her sister, Ruth Ann. She also enjoyed sending cards and letters to keep in close contact with family and friends.
Her grandchildren loved her dearly and fondly and called her “GG” for Great Grandma. Alta was loved by so many and will be greatly missed.
Online condolences and memories of Alta may be left for the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
