Lois (Martha) Kirkpatrick

Lois was born on August 2, 1921 in Peoria, IL, to Henry and Vesta Kerker. She graduated from Woodruff High School and married her high school boyfriend George Kirkpatrick, who lived across the street and was the love of her life for 60 years.

Lois is survived by her daughter Judy Gwillim of Peoria, IL, and grandsons Todd Gwillim (Susie) of Tucson, AZ, Brad Gwillim (Miew) of Tokyo, Japan, and Ryan Gwillim (Morgan) of Elmhurst, IL. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Lauren and Marshall Gwillim, Emerson, Finley, Harper and Reese Gwillim, Ryan Darko (Lauren), Nathan Darko (Josie), and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brothers Roy and Russell, her sisters Mary (Cady) and Phyllis (Lester), her grandson Kirk Gwillim (Karmen), and her son-in-law Brent Gwillim whom she thought of as a son.

As a result of World War II, Lois became a military wife (Air Force) and remained as such for the next 40 years. Lois and her family travelled the world for many decades, living in Japan, France, Germany, and the U.K. Lois loved playing bridge and played three times a week with different groups even after she turned 100. She learned to play bridge at age 20, and made friends all over the world playing bridge. She also enjoyed crocheting and made hundreds of hats for the preemie babies at OSF over the years.

Lois was a voracious reader and always kept up with current world and national events. She also enjoyed connecting with friends and family using her iPad and iPhone. She was an avid sports fan and travelled for years to Arizona and Chicago with the Chicago Cubs boosters.

A visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Friday June 9, 2023 at First Federated Church located at 3601 N. Sheridan in Peoria, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mark Linder Walk for the Mind, PO Box 5522, Peoria, IL 61601, or Richard L. Owens Hospice, 8630 IL Route 91, Peoria, IL 61615.

Lois had many friends, a great sense of humor, and always cared for others. She was extremely close to her grandchildren, and spent decades attending their sporting events, concerts, and graduations. Lois was a wonderful and supportive mother and will be dearly missed.

Online condolences may be shared with Lois's family at www.woolsey-wilton.com.