Obituary: Millicent Grinnell

Posted on February 24, 2020

CHENOA– Millicent Jane Grinnell, 87 of Chenoa, formerly of Evanston, died at 9:15 am, Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Advocate BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal.

The family will have a private graveside service in Memorial Park Cemetery, Skokie at a later date. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa is in charge of services.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 pm, Thursday, February 27, 2020 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of the donor’s choice in memory of Millicent Grinnell.

Mrs. Grinnell was born August 17, 1932 in Cleveland, OH; the daughter of James A. and Mildred (Owen) House Jr. She married Flint Grinnell Jr. on September 5, 1953 in Cleveland, OH. Her husband, Flint survives in Chenoa.

Other survivors include her children, Susan (Clayton) Rosenberger of Chenoa; Flint Grinnell III of Deerfield; Colleen Rutledge of Sedro-Woolley, WA; Salissa (Steven) Whaley of Lexington; fourteen grandchildren: Sheryl, Flint IV, Brian, Alison, John, Clifton, Katherine, Michael, William, James, Michelle, Ryan, Audrey, Kelly; and twenty-three great-grandchildren.

Millicent was the owner-operator of “The Old Chenoa Company” (Antique Store) in Chenoa for over 40 years. Over the years she contributed many furnishings to the historic “Scott House” in Chenoa and was a past president of Central Illinois Antique Dealers Association in Bloomington. Her love of antiquing led her to many Antique shows, covering eight states. Flow Blue China and Sterling Silver were her specialties and was often sought after as an expert, appraising and locating pieces all over the nation.

Millicent was also a member of the Ohio Chapter of the National Society of Colonial Dames as well as numerous volunteer and other civic duties in her communities. She enjoyed gardening and spending time with her family who will miss her deeply.

The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thank you for the care given to Millicent while at Meadows Mennonite Home and the Doctors, staff and especially the Hospice unit of Advocate BroMenn, Normal.

An online guest registry is available at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.

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