Sheila Diane Gunzenheiser

Born September 23, 1955 in Kennett, Missouri to Barbara (Conover) Frye, she married Brian Gunzenheiser May 12, 2007 in Spring Bay. He survives.

Also surviving are four sons, Jeremy (Beth) Anderson of Atlanta, Georgia, Jason Fletcher of Metamora, PJ (Laura) Ringenberger of Tennessee, Cody (Megan) Gunzenheiser of Spring Bay; one daughter, Cari (Steve) Gunzenheiser of Florida; 11 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three sisters, Lori (Samuel) Merritt of Pekin, Sara (Dan) Garber of Manito and Vickey Teter of Missouri; two brothers, Perry Watkins of Jackson, Michigan and Dennis (Deann) Crossno of Tennessee; many nieces and nephews and her beloved yorkie pup, Bella Boo.

She was preceded in death by her mother; her step-father Billy J. Watkins; her biological father, Tommy Crossno.

Shelia worked dispatch for the Pekin Police Department for many years and as a payroll assistant for MH Equipment before retiring.

She was a passionate and very talented gardener. She enjoyed crafting and antiques. Shelia especially enjoyed primitives and decorated her home with her creations and finds. She was an avid reader. She loved more than anything spending time with her “buddy” and grandson Bjorn.

Shelia was a member of the Creve Coeur Christian Church.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

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

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