Mary Jean Kraft
Mary Jean Kraft, 83, of Normal, passed away at 2:13 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at her home.
Her Mass of Celebration will be at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Church of Merna in Bloomington with Monsignors Doug Hennessy and Greg Ketcham officiating. Following the Mass, a gathering for friends and family will be at the family farm. A private family interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Bloomington.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.
Mary Jean was born on Aug. 12, 1932 in Bloomington, a daughter of Tom and Fauntella Brannan Maloney. She married Louis E. Kraft on June 15, 1957 in Bloomington. He preceded her in death.
Surviving are six sons, Mark (Jackie) Kraft of Towanda, Kevin (Lucinda) Kraft of Lexington, Brian (Michelle) Kraft of Bloomington, Tim (Lora) Kraft of Springfield, Tom (Stephanie) Kraft of Downs and Louis (Chris) of Towanda; son in-law, David Matisko of Valparaiso, Ind.; 25 grandchildren; two sisters, Louise Ralph of Springfield and Marge Handley of Decatur.
She was preceded in death by two daughters, Mary Lisa and Julia Matisko.
Mary Jean was a graduate of Holy Trinity High School and Illinois State University.
Although her family could go into great length about the incredible life of Mary Jean, her wishes were to keep this simple. She wanted everyone to remember to say, “Thank you, Jesus.”
Online condolences and memories of Mary Jean may be sent to the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
Wilma J. Smith
Normal – Wilma J. Smith, 89, of Normal, went home to be with the Lord on Friday evening on Oct. 9, 2015 at home in Normal.
Her funeral service will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2015 at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington with Pastor Todd Harrison officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday at the memorial home.
Entombment will be at East Lawn Mausoleum in Bloomington. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Advocate Hospice or the Missions Fund of Bible Baptist Church of Bloomington.
Wilma was born on Sept. 7, 1926 in Cropsey, Illinois, a daughter to Charles and Laura Brucker Sheppelman. She married Duane J. Smith on June 16, 1946 in Bloomington. He preceded her in death on Nov. 23, 2005.
Surviving is her son, Steven (Rita) Smith of Normal; daughter in-law, Barbra Smith of Normal; son in-law, David Damron of Danvers; 7 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; sister, Darlene Hinshaw of Hudson; brother, Charles (Thelma) Sheppelman of Normal as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Randy Smith; daughter, Leanne Damron; a grandson; a brother and 2 sisters.
Wilma farmed alongside her husband in rural Danvers for 35 years before moving to Normal to care for her invalid husband for 17 years. She baked wedding cakes for a number of years from her home in Danvers.
She was active in many different church ministries at Danvers Baptist Church. Recently, she had attended Bible Baptist Church in Bloomington.
Wilma loved spending time with her family and never found a baby she did not love.
Online condolences and memories of Wilma may be left for the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
