Mary L. Micklus

Mary was born on September 8, 1948, in Carlinville, the daughter of Elmer Wayne and Alethea “Pat” Evelyn (Patton) Ward. She married Thomas Gregory Micklus on October 21, 1972, at St. Joseph’s Church, in Springfield.

Mary had an early interest in nursing, and as a teenager volunteered as a candy striper. She graduated from Carlinville High School and received a RN degree from Memorial School of Nursing. She then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Sangamon State University/University of Illinois-Springfield and a Master of Science degree in nursing from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Mary was a nursing instructor at various schools of nursing in Illinois. She was well liked by her students, and she enjoyed teaching. Mary was a member of the Church of the Little Flower for 45 years and sang in the choir for 40 years. She was also a member of St. Theresa Guild. Mary liked to travel to Florida in the winter, enjoyed gardening, sewing, and walking. She also loved music, spending time with her family, and visiting with friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Elmer and brother, Mike Ward.

Mary is survived by her husband, Thomas of Springfield; mother, Alethea “Pat” of Carlinville; children, Kelley Micklus of Chicago, Robert (Sheila) Micklus of Springfield, Kimberly (David) Beader of Chicago, and Steven (Elizabeth Preston) Micklus of Reno, NV; grandchildren, Robert Wesley, Makayla, Daniel, and Zachary Micklus; brothers, Ed and Jim Ward, both of Carlinville and Joe Ward of Springfield; and multiple cousins, nieces, nephews, colleagues, and special friends.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 11, 2022, at Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield. Visitation will begin with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at Church of the Little Flower, 800 Adlai Stevenson Dr., Springfield, with Rev. Allen Kemme officiating.

Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Little Flower Catholic School, 800 Adlai Stevenson Dr., Springfield, IL 62703, or St. John’s Breadline, 430 N. 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702.

For all events, Illinois COVID-19 guidance will be followed, requiring face coverings.