Maxene Adkins
Maxene Adkins, 91 of Bloomington, passed away surrounded by her family and special friend Ron Guthoff on Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017 at 4:37 p.m. at the Heritage Health Care, Bloomington.
Her service will be held on Friday, Jan. 5, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington. Following the service Entombment will be held at Park Hill Mausoleum, Bloomington. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Community Cancer Center, Humane Society of Central Illinois or YMCA Children’s Programs.
Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Maxene was born May 3, 1926 in Arrowsmith. She was the eldest daughter of Robert G. and Mabel (Sackett) Smith.
She is survived by a daughter Marsha Kay (Art) Wynn; two grandsons, Scott C. (Christina) Purkey and his children; Bishop, Nola, Sullivan, Eva Rae, Willow, Violet, Leo, Eli, Madison, Collin and Christian and Gregory (Andi) Wynn and their daughter Cara.
Maxene was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved daughter, Janet Rae Tennison; two brothers and two sisters.
Maxene grew up on farms around Arrowsmith, Saybrook and Bellflower and graduated from Bellflower High School.
During her long life, she worked at State Farm, Wesleyan University and several attorneys. She retired after 40 years at Guthoff and Company Ltd. as an administrative assistant. Her hands flew on the typewriter like no one else.
Maxene never met a stranger. She enjoyed talking to all different folks. For years she met friends for coffee every day at Hardee’s. She lured others into joining the group and enticed them to come by cooking and baking for them. She was known for her generosity of her time, talents and money. She took great care of many of Bloomington’s widows throughout the years, ensuring they got to their appointments, got their shopping done and checking in on them regularly.
She caught the travel bug a little later in life and often accompanied Ron and Nancy Guthoff on countless journeys across the country or across the world. Her suitcase was always the biggest as she prepared for anything. She was also the one who ensured no one starved on any journey they took with her. She always had a can of Chex Mix and a drink for you. She was especially fond of Hilton Head Island and frequented Pool Bar Jim’s. Longboat Key, Fla. was also a longtime favorite. She would ride along with whoever would take her anywhere. Max was also a fervent Illini fan, her Illini spirit could be seen in all her orange and blue apparel, her cheering and attendance at hundreds of games. She was also known as a planner, whether there was a Holiday party to be thrown, a wedding to be held, a retirement party or any other occasion, she was the one to go to. She also loved to dance and did so often in her younger years.
Much love to daughter Marsha and her husband Art for delivering her favorite Hardee’s breakfast every morning and Friday night ice cream before bed when she would smile that beautiful smile and as was her generous nature, thank them and bestow kisses.
Max would like to extend a special thanks to Ron Guthoff and family for their love. Debbie and Cindy, Brandon and Kendall were her second family and were very, very special to her. Another special thanks to Pattie (Mark) Cedarwall of Clayton, Calif. for all the phone calls, cards and goodies they sent throughout the years and also to the staff of Heritage Health Care, Bloomington for their care and compassion.
Her smile and laughter will be missed by many. There will be an empty seat at many places that she frequented. Whenever you have a Martini, make it extra dry and with extra olives to share.
Online condolences may be made to www.calvertmemorial.com.
Larry Kennedy
Larry Wayne Kennedy, 77, of Cooksville, passed away at 1:10 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, at his residence.
Cremation has been accorded.
A celebration of his life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 6, 2017, at Union Church of Cooksville. Pastor Mark Marshall will be officiating.
Memorials may be made to Union Church of Cooksville or Advocate BroMenn Hospice.
Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Colfax is in charge of arrangements.
Larry was born Feb. 22, 1940, in Bloomington the son of Myron Foster and Irene Louise Riecks Kennedy.
He married Gwen Pickett on July 2, 1960. She survives.
Also surviving are his; son, Wayne (Chris) Kennedy of Normal; daughter, Toni (Anthony) Alexander of Oak Forest; grandchildren, Eric Alexander, Kevin (Leah) Van Hook, Christopher (Nikki) Van Hook, Casey (Chelsea) Van Hook; great-grandchildren, Devin, Kevin, Marshall, and Olivia, Van Hook, Alexander and Zoey Van Hook; sister, Connie (Richard) Schumann; nephew, Jeff (Amanda) Schumann; niece, Bethany Schumann; great-niece, Ali Schumann; and great-nephew, Kaden Schumann.
Larry retired as a foreman for Eureka Company. He was a board member of the Union Church of Cooksville and was a 4H leader.
Larry was an avid genealogist, loved playing baseball in his younger years and was a diehard Cubs Fan.
An online registry is available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.
