She was born September 5, 1962 in Lincoln to John and Carmen (Jackson) Lord. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Burt and Joe Mahan.
Surviving are two sons, Johnathan Koch of Pekin and Shawn (Monica) Smothers of Peoria; one daughter, Amanda Gosnell-America of Pekin; five grandchildren, Peyton Grazier, Kyeler Smothers, Trinity Noel, Serenity Noel and Landon Roedell; one brother, Bill Mahan; three sisters, Charlotte Jackson of Springfield, Peggy Lord of Pekin and Milly Lord of Pekin; and her significant other, Dave Ripper.
Mena worked as a caretaker with Community Cares for 11 years.
Mena loved the Lord and was caring and compassionate of other people, even if that meant putting them before herself. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially the grandkids and was the glue that held the family together. She loved gatherings and planning family reunions.
When she wasn’t spending her time with family or performing acts of kindness, she enjoyed crafting, gardening, cooking and baking. She also loved to go fishing and hunt for mushrooms.
Mena attended Living Hope Community Church in Bartonville.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 29, 2021 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Greg Ogle of Calvary Baptist Church in Canton will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Guidelines regarding social distancing and wearing of masks will be followed. Burial will be at Spring Lake Cemetery in Manito.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, One East Wacker, Suite 1500, Chicago, Illinois 60601.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
