Myrtle J. Boers

Myrtle J. Boers, 96 of Peoria passed away at 2:15 a.m., Tuesday, July 19, 2016 surrounded by her family. She was born on June 28, 1920 in Hutchinson, Kansas, the daughter of Edward Bradley and Lillian Zook. She married Howard F. Boers, Sr. on September 26, 1936 in Belleville, IL. He preceded her in death on November 19, 1990. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two sons, Howard F. Boers, Jr. and Donald L. Boers, a granddaughter, Merri Christi “Chris” Boers-Trunk, two great grandchildren, and her dear friend, Wilburt Plagg. Survivors include one son, Joseph B. (Julie) Boers of Mapleton, IL; 9 grandchildren, Linda (Doug) Nevitt, Cynthia A. Martin, Cathi (Larry) Thomason, Holly (Jeff) Henline, Christopher “Kip” M. Boers, Howard “Chip” F. Boers III, Robert J. Boers, Tiffany (Tyler) Church, and Amanda (William) B. Campbell; 26 great grandchildren and 19 great-great grandchildren. Myrtle was known as Gram to all and always had a way to make everyone smile by offering her well-known comments, “You will just have to make your own sunshine” or “You will have to run between the raindrops.” Myrtle was a devout Catholic being a life-long south side Catholic parishioner as well as an active member at Saint Anthony’s Church. She was a devoted volunteer in her community having spent her time with many organizations including the Bel-Wood Nursing Home, Catholic Women’s League, Seminary Aid Society, Ladies of the St. Jude Knights of Columbus, and the Ladies Guild at St. John’s Church. She also served as a past President of the St. Johns Alter and Rosary Society. Myrt was loved by all because of her amazing ability to ensure everyone was always taken care of. Any time family or guests were greeted, the first words out of Myrt’s mouth were “What can I get you to eat?” Myrtle and Howard served the golfers at the Madison Park Golf Course Snack Shop for many years. Myrt then worked for the Lizer Family Pharmacy where she truly enjoyed her job. As a result of her gregarious personality and generous spirit, she was loved by many and will be greatly missed. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and always took care of her family and friends as well as her Church community. In honor of her love of the color purple, the family invites those attending the service or visitation to join them in wearing something purple in remembrance of Gram. A funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m., Friday, July 22, 2016 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Rev. Don Roszkowski will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 21 at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel, with recitation of the Rosary at 3:30 p.m. An additional visitation will be from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. prior to the Mass at the church. Entombment will be at Resurrection Mausoleum. The family would like to thank the OSF Saint Francis Medical Center Emergency Department Nurses and Physicians for the excellent care, communication, and compassion. The aftercare experienced on the 1700 nursing unit and at the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home was second to none. Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Ann Catholic Church or the OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home.