Obituaries: Heins, Smucker

Lois Heins

Lois Eleanor Payne Heins, 104, of Pontiac, Il, passed away at 3:25 p.m. on Friday, November 24, 2017 at Tjardes Health Center of Evenglow Lodge in Pontiac, Il.

Her celebration of life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at First Lutheran Church in Pontiac with Rev. Tim Hubert officiating. Friends may visit one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will follow services at Chenoa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Lois requested memorials be made to First Lutheran Church of Pontiac or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Lois Eleanor was born October 29, 1913 on a farm near Chenoa, Illinois a daughter of Wilbur L. and Matilda (Streid) Payne. She married John Myron Heins on August 11, 1939 in Hermosa Beach, California.

Lois is survived by her two sons: The Reverend Dr. John L. (Connie) Heins of Roscoe, IL, and Dr. Robert E. (Terri) Heins of Pontiac, IL; six grandchildren brought fun and joy to her life: Erika (Mark) Navin of Franklin, WI, Heather Heins of Denver, CO, Jamie Heins of Chula Vista, CA, John Kyle Heins of San Pedro, CA, Roy (Christy) Heins of North Aurora, IL, and Robyn (Zach) Zehr of Estes Park, CO. Her family now includes nine great grandchildren: Harper and Myles Navin, Emmalee and Donovan Heins, Amelia, Evelyn, Lauren Heins, Carsyn and Conrad Zehr.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Myron (2004), and her parents.

A 1930 graduate of Redonda Beach Union High School, Redonda, CA. Loise was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church of Pontiac. She particularly enjoyed being a homemaker and gardening. She loved trimming her bushes, enjoyed her flowers, loved feeding and watching the birds and other animals. This love of nature she passed to her sons. Lois was a humble and caring person who showed her love to family and community. Lois helped to start the Encore Shop in Pontiac; she was particularly proud to begin a store for the community where individuals could purchase repurposed clothing and other items.

Lois loved the arts and showed her creativity through crafts and the stitching of quilts which she lovingly provided to her sons and grandchildren.

The family is gratefully appreciative to the staff at Tjardes Health Center for the compassionate and respectful care given to Lois.

This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to the family at calvertmemorial.com.

Donald Smucker

Donald E. Smucker, 82, of Bloomington, passed away on Friday, November 24, 2017 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.

His service will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, with Pastor Paul Stroup officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church or to the Midwest Food Bank.

Don was born on October 13, 1935 in Chicago, Il. He is the son of Donald E. and Grace (Gingery) Smucker Sr. He married Janet Touve on June 8, 1957 in Chicago.

Don is survived by his wife Janet and their children: Kimberly Conrad, Susan (Kevin) Kovacs, Nancy (Tom) McDonald, Amanda (David) Marks and Marcia (James) Highline. He is also survived by his 14 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and his sister Margaret (Steve) Keller.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his son-in-law Danny Conrad.

Don was a graduate of Maine Township High School and Illinois Wesleyan University.  He is a member of Second Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and he was a member of the Golden K Kiwanis Club of Bloomington/Normal. He worked for Paul Beich Candy Company for 28 years and later worked and retired from the American Pest Control Company after 20 years of service.

Don loved spending time with his family.

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