Holly Dianna Chism

Born December 31, 1955 in Peoria to Ralph and Mary (Schaer) Hoyland, she married James Darrell Chism on April 19, 1975 at St. John’s (Sand Prairie) Lutheran Church in rural Green Valley. He survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Chad Chism of San Jose and Chip (Susie Williams) Chism of Pekin; four grandchildren, Brylee Chism, Cameron Williams, Carson Williams and Bryce Williams; two brothers, Dennis Hoyland of Groveland and Randy Hoyland of Delavan and a very special friend and soul sister, Bernie Barr, who was so much support to Holly during her chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a dear friend, Teresa Mylott and two grand dogs who were special to her, Walter, and Fred Chism.

A 1973 graduate of Pekin Community High School, Holly worked for CENTEL in Pekin for 17 years as a long-distance telephone operator beginning in 1980. Her most recent job was working as a bartender at Pottsies Place in Pekin from 2020 to 2023, which was her favorite and most fun job she held. Holly loved hanging out with her Pottsie girls: Tina, Jordan, Terra, Julie, Kayla, Pam, Jenny, and Aarron. The eight of them had a true circle of friendship and Bunco Club.

Holly loved to travel and go on vacations. Grandma especially enjoyed going shopping at Carter’s stores for Brylee and going up north every September with Chad to Shady Oaks Resort on Clam Lake in Wisconsin, where they stayed in a cool and rustic old cabin right on the lake. In the evening, Chad & Holly went to different bars on the lake and played bar bingo and Texas Hold’em meeting so many nice northern people and had great fun and memories had together. With Chip, Holly loved to go out to his camper at Kentuckiana Kampground for many years in the spring and summer. She found it so peaceful and relaxing there, with all kinds of family fun. She found joy in watching the kid’s activities at Kentuckiana. Holly also loved soaking up the sun and relaxing with Susie and Brylee in their pool. Two of Holly’s favorite holidays were Easter and Christmas. She loved preparing the family meal and playing fun games with her family. In all, great fun and memories were cherished from family time together.

Holly was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s (Sand Prairie) Lutheran Church in rural Green Valley and formerly attended Pekin First Church of God.

Her funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 11, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Chuck Grogan will officiate. Visitation will be noon to 1:15 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Midwest Affiliate, 530 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, IL 61637.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to Payden who was their primary nurse from OSF Hospice. He offered exceptional care to Holly and her family.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com