Irma C. Updyke

Irma C.(Looney) Updyke, 102, of Bartonville, Illinois, formerly of West Peoria up until 5 years ago, died Sunday, November 2, 2014 at the Unity Point\Methodist Hospital surrounded by her loving family holding her hand. She was born on July 23, 1912 in Galva, Illinois to John and Edith (Molberg) Looney. She married Donald Updyke of Wyoming, Illinois on July 15, 1939 in Toulon, Illinois. He preceded her in death in 1999 and by three sisters, Verna Lines, Dorothy Nelson, Eleanor Carter and two brothers, Mervin Looney and Jack Looney and one granddaughter, Deb Lentz.

Surviving is her daughter Kay (Tom) Ingram whom she lived with. Also surviving is a grandaughter Lyn Fauser of Peoria, Illinois; great grandchildren Brooke (Joe) Lahart, Nicole McKavitt both of Yates City, Illinois and Derek (Katie) McKavitt of Peoria, Illinois. She has great great grandchildren, Keagan, Hadley Lahart, Ella Johnson and Vera Richards. She was a grandmother figure to her special niece Candace Morgenthaler of Florida. She is survived by sister in laws, Margaret Looney of Kewanee, Annabell Upkyke and Kate Updyke of Wyoming, Illinois. She has many nieces and nephews.

She was a very active person, even called the “energizer bunny” at times as she did not like to stay still long. She volunteered at the Bob Michel Outpatient Clinic every Tuesday and served all veterans with a smile, they called her Granny. Irma was very proud of the Community Service Plaque she received from the American Legion Auxiliary in 2006. She helped with many projects at the Auxiliary. She was the oldest member of the American Legion Auxiliary volunteer in the State of Illinois and was so honored by the Bob Michel Outpatient Clinic in Peoria.

Her favorite place to go was the Bartonville Diner, they always greeted and made her feel special. The waitresses always knew what she wanted to eat and ordered it as she came in. Irma was the kind of grandmother every child wants. She always had a piece of candy in her pocket or purse. And a smile and hug. Kay was most always with her and they were not only Mother and Daughter, they were best friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM Thursday, November 6, 2014 at the Davison Fulton Bartonville Chapel. The Rev. Jack Thompson will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 PM until 7 PM on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Wyoming Cemetery in Wyoming, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Bob Michel V.A. Outpatient Clinic. You may create an online condolence at www.davison-fultonbartonvillechapel.com.