Mildred J. Lutz McCarthy

Born January 31, 1910 in Lawrence County to Charles and Eva (Griffin) McCord, she married Howard Lutz on November 21, 1929 in Green Valley. He died February 25, 1978 in Pekin. She later married Leroy McCarthy on April 8, 1979 in Green Valley. He died November 27, 2000 in Pekin. She was also preceded in death by one step-daughter.

Surviving are three sons, John "Jack" (Phyllis) Lutz of South Pekin, Robert "Bob" A. (Rose Mary) Lutz and Eugene "Gene" (Sandra) Lutz, both of Pekin; one step-daughter, Mary (Steve) Brooks of Chicago; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

After her children were raised, Mildred worked as a beautician in her home from the early 1960's until retiring in the mid 1970's. She had also worked in the dry yeast department at Standard Brands Company and in the bottling department at American Distilling Company, both in Pekin. Her first job was as a telephone operator.

She was a member of St. John's (Sand Prairie) Lutheran Church in rural Green Valley, where she had been active in the Ladies' Aide Society. Mildred was also a member of the Tazewell County Home Extension.

Her grandchildren and family were her whole life. She also enjoyed playing pinochle.

Herfuneral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 18, 2008at St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Green Valley. TheRev. Thomas R. Wenndt will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel and one hour before the funeral Thursday at the church. Burial will be in Sand Prairie Cemetery in rural Green Valley.

Memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran School, 333 State Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or St. John's Lutheran Church, 13443 Townline Road, Green Valley, IL 61534.