Lois M Thies

Born November 16, 1924 in Mackinaw to Walter Armsted and Leona Esther (Back) Kerrick, she married Eldon Lee Thies on December 24, 1947 in Pekin.  He died April 18, 1991 in Danville.  She was also preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Walter Kerrick.

Surviving are three sons, Jason  Thies of Durango, Colorado, Gregory (Theresa) Thies of North Pekin, and Jeffrey Thies of Peoria; and eight grandchildren, Benjamin Thies and Jennifer Thies, both of Durango, Karen (Stan) Hartzman of San Diego, CA, Sarah Thies and Nathaniel Thies, both of North Pekin, and Laine Thies, Joseph Thies, and Samuel Thies, all of Peoria.

She was a 1942 graduate of Pekin Community High School and a 1945 graduate of Northwest Institute of Medical Technology.

Lois worked at Pekin Hospital and for Drs. Weimer & Taubert and Dr. Grimmer.  She later worked 9 years for Midstate Foundation for Medical Care and last for Pekin Insurance, retiring in 1992.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Pekin, where she was a member of the Naomi Rachel Circle, Tuesday morning Bible study class, and was an active worker in the church kitchen.  She also was a member of the Tazewell County Genealogy and Historical Society and a charter member of the Pekin Area Retirees Investment Club.

Her memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 7, 2011 at First United Methodist Church in Pekin.  The Rev. Terry Edele and Rev. Judy Doyle will officiate.  Visitation will be from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Monday at the church.

Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 1315 Court Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

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