Mildred M. Zehr-Ward

She was born in Westphalia, Indiana on February 11, 1923 to Clarence and Nettie (Stewart) Parker.  She married Elton L. Zehr on May 31, 1941 in Wenona.  He preceded her in death on January 15, 1980.  She married Donald K. Ward on December 30, 1984 in Pekin.

Surviving are her husband, Don; two daughters, Carole Lutes of Cheshire, Connecticut and Terry (William) Joerger of Tremont; two grandchildren, Erica Lutes Bontatibus of Simsbury, Connecticut and Devin Lutes of San Francisco, California; and three great-grandchildren, Dante, Isabella and Elena Bontatibus, all of Simsbury.  She is also survived by a niece, Joyce Gunther of Las Vegas, Nevada; a nephew, Ron Rowell of Morton; one step-daughter, Janet Zimmerman of Springfield; one step-son, Niles Ward of Springfield; six step-grandchildren and nine step-great-grandchildren.

Her parents, one sister, Martha Rowell and brothers, Merlin and Marvin Parker preceded her in death.

Midge graduated from Pekin Community High School and the University Of Wisconsin School Of Banking.  She was a Vice-president at Herget National Bank, retiring in February 1985.  She was a member of the First Christian Churches in Pekin and Sarasota, Florida.  She was also a member of the Pekin Hospital Auxiliary, Delta Tau Sorority, Sunset Hills Golf and Swim Club, and was a volunteer worker in her Sarasota church, starting and managing a food pantry at the church.  She established the Brownie and Girl Scout programs while living in Rome, Illinois and served on the board at Commonplace in Peoria.

Midge enjoyed her many friends and family, golf, traveling, bridge, and in her later years, watching tennis.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.  The Rev. Ryan Edgecombe will officiate.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service.  Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be given to the First Christian Church, 7601 Clarke Road, Sarasota, Florida, Lincoln Christian Village, 1507 7th Street, Lincoln, IL 62656 or to the Alzheimer’s Association Central Illinois Chapter, 606 W. Glen Ave. Peoria, IL 61614.