She was born in Springfield, Illinois on August 25, 1925 to Walter D. and Ellen “Nellie” (Nankervis) Smith. She married Howard C. “Bud” Lance on June 16, 1951 in Peoria. She was preceded in death by her husband, five brothers, and two sisters.
She is survived by her two sons, Allan E. Lance of Bartonville, and Howard L. Lance of San Francisco, and by five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
She spent her early years living in Chicago and moved to Peoria after High School. She worked at Thompson’s Restaurant, L. R. Nelson Company and later ran the cafeteria for many years at Homewood Heights Elementary School in Creve Coeur.
Katie was a lifelong Cubs fan and saw her team finally win the World Series in 2016. She was active in the American Legion Post 979 in Bartonville for many years and previously was a member at the East Peoria VFW Post 2078. She was a loving wife, an incredible mother, and a gracious friend to everyone she met.
Those who wish to pay their respects may gather at the Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel, 1203 W. Garfield Ave., Bartonville from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, April 27, 2018. A Prayer Service will be Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 10 am at the funeral chapel. Burial will be at Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the American Legion in support of our Veterans at www.legion.org/donate.
