Thelma "Katie" Tedford-Luedke

Chatham, IL, born in Casey, IL, passed away December 8, 2021,

at St. Paul’s Senior Community.

She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Chatham.

She received a Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University

and went on to become a music instructor, and church orchestra

and choir director. The many organizations to which she belonged

over the years include the International Chapter of University

Women, the SIUE Choral Society, Veiled Prophet Chorus,

Belleville Philharmonic Chorus, Belleville Community

Concert’s board member, Historical Society, Arts Council,

Excelsior Book Club, President’s Council of U of I, and P.E.O.

Chapter EY. Besides her many affiliations, she was an avid bridge

player with numerous community bridge groups, and enjoyed dancing

and traveling.

Our mother was a small woman in stature but very big in spirit.

She had an unforgettable personality that touched many lives.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bethel and Sattie,

nee Freeman, Hill, brothers William, Donald and LaVerle Hill, and

husbands, Charles R. Tedford, who died in 1969, and Walter

G. Luedke, who died in 1999.

She is survived by her children, Michelle (Howard) Hudzik of

Belleville, IL, and Douglas (Julie) Tedford of Belleville, IL;

long-time companion Andrew Nordyke of Springfield, IL;

grandson, Samual Tedford; sister, Carolyn (Phil) Hadley of

Springdale, AR, sister-in-law, Shirley Hill of Ooltewah, TN,

and several nieces and nephews.

Thank you for the kind and compassionate care she received

at St. Paul’s Nursing Home and from Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Per her wishes, she was cremated and private family services will

be held. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern

Illinois (305 S. Illinois St., Belleville, IL 62220), or a charity

of the donor’s choice.