She was born January 9, 1943, in Blytheville, Arkansas. She was a 1966 graduate of Arkansas State University. She retired in 2003 following a 23-year teaching career with District 186, primarily at Lanphier High School. One of her most rewarding experiences was providing academic instruction for pregnant teenagers housed at St. Monica’s Home in Springfield.
On June 29, 1963, she married Larry F. Elledge at First Methodist Church in Blytheville, Arkansas. He survives.
Also surviving are three daughters: Selena Elledge (Lee Williams), of Springfield; Amber Kozhukalo (Eugene), of Issaquah, Washington; and Nicole Pond (Adam), also of Issaquah; a grand-daughter, Ruby Pond, also of Issaquah; and a brother, Richard H. “Dick” Wyatt, of Little Rock, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents William H. and Mary Grace Wyatt, and older brother, William V. “Bill” Wyatt.
She was a 42-year resident of Springfield. She was an avid bridge and trivial pursuit player and taught bridge at Lincoln Land Community College. She especially loved her visits with her grand-daughter. She also enjoyed reading mystery novels, traveling to lighthouse sites, and her annual winter trips to the Alabama and Florida gulf coast.
Visitation is Friday between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday at 3:00 p.m. Both will be held at Bisch Funeral Home, 2931 S. Koke Mill Road. Memorial contributions may be made to: Simmons Cancer Institute Infusion Unit (link to: www.siumed.edu/foundation/ways-give.html), Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
