April Michelle Whitaker

April Michelle Whitaker, 39, of Illiopolis, died at 4:55 a.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2014 at Memorial Medical Center. April was born November 28, 1974 in Augusta, GA, the daughter of Lori Jo Shaw and Edwin Wayne Whitaker. April graduated from Tri-City High School and attended Augustana College. She was a member of Alpha Phi Omega Alumni and was an officer of the local chapter. She was an avid cat lover, enjoyed beadwork and making jewelry, and cooking, especially her cheesecake and lasagna. She was preceded in death by her grandparents. April leaves behind her beloved family, Craig and Emily Soerensen of Illiopolis; mother, Lori (husband, William) Roach of MO; father, Edwin Whitaker of GA; siblings, Ashleigh (husband, Greg) Whitaker Siskar of KY and B.J. Jose (wife, Rachel) Whitaker of Spain; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the April Whitaker Memorial Fund, c/o Security Bank for healthcare expenses and educational use, or Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75244.