Lois V Sims

Born September 7, 1923 in Peoria to Charles and Anna (Swearingian) Martin, she married Edgar Earl “Ed” Sims on June 2, 1977 in Pryor, Oklahoma.  He survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Thelma Kothenbeutel of Sunnyland, Georganna (Bob) Moore of South Carolina, and Vivian (Jerry) Catt of Dahinda; one son, William “Bill” Ringel of Creve Coeur; one step-daughter, Joy (Dan) Haddix of West Virginia; five step-sons, Randy (Pam) Sims of Mississippi, Gordon Sims of Pekin, Raymond (Pat) Sims of Joliet, and Clayton (Lucia) Sims and Ronald (Donna) Sims, both of New York; forty-one grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; eleven step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Shirley (Merl) Cotton of Mapleton; and five brothers, Charles Martin of Creve Coeur, George Martin and Loren (Evenell) Martin, both of Morton, Forrest (Barb) Martin of South Carolina, Mar (Faye) Martin of Marquette Heights; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one step-son (Danny Sims), one granddaughter (Connie Coons), three brothers (Henry, Paul, and Ellis Martin), and one sister (Thelma Martin).

She was a 1943 graduate of Forest City High School.

Lois had worked for Associated Engineers in Peoria as a bookkeeper for many years.

She was a member of the First Assembly of God in Pekin for over 30 years.

Lois was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, foster mother of 12, sister, and friend.  She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, reading, and helping people in need.

Her funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at the First Assembly of God in Pekin.  Pastor Mark Dexter will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.  Burial will be in Springdale Cemetery in Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Assembly of God, 1209 North Parkway Drive, Pekin, IL 61554.