Calvert-Ferry Funeral Homes

Joanne L. Elbrecht

Virden-Joanne L. Elbrecht, 79, left this world to reside with our Heavenly Father on Friday, February 15, 2013. Mrs. Elbrecht was born May 14, 1933, in Petersburg, IL, the daughter of Bruce and Emma (Lee) Jackson.

She was preceded in death by Gene Fifer, whom she married in 1955, and passed away in 1974, and Harold Chaplin whom she married in 1988, and passed away in 1995. She married Herbert Elbrecht in 2000.

Joanne was a homemaker, and also held several clerical positions for a number of temporary services, finally retiring as a secretary at Julie Davis Realtors. She was a member of Grace Southern Baptist Church in Virden, Virden Senior Citizens, and past member of Divernon American Legion Auxiliary.

Joanne loved to sing, and in her younger days she sang in several church choirs. She loved to travel and did a lot of it solo, preferring to stick to the back roads, unbeaten paths, nooks, and crannies that lead her to the next adventure around the bend. Also, she loved reading, listening to country music, and most of all, spending time with her beloved family and friends.

She is survived by her husband, Herbert; two daughters, Connie (Jeff) LeMar of Divernon, Holly (Leon “Chip”) Cormier of Palmyra; step daughter, Beverly (Cliff) Franklin of Virden; two sons, David Fifer of Springfield and Dale (Ramona) Fifer of North Richland Hills, TX; a step-son, Gary Elbrecht of Murphysboro, IL and a brother, Bill (Rose) Jackson of Princeton, TX. She has four grandchildren, Chad (Keri) LeMar, Aimee (Mitch) Shoen, Clint LeMar and Shelby LeMar; several step grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, numerous step great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 20, 2013, at the Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home, Virden, IL. Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 21, 2013 at the Grace Southern Baptist Church, Virden, IL, with Mr. Stephen Ford officiating; Guitarist, Hank Smith.  Pallbearers:  Chad LeMar, Mitchell Schoen, Clint LeMar, Jeff Jackson, Leon “Chip” Cormier, Jim Proctor, David Fifer & Dale Fifer with Honorary Pallbearers, Luke LeMar & Madden Schoen.  Memorials may be made to the Scleroderma Foundation. Burial will be at Camp Butler National Cemetery, Springfield, IL, with the father of her children. To leave a comment for the family please visit: http://www.calvert-ferryfuneralhomes.com

Mary Louise Irish

Girard-Mary Louise Irish, 89, of Girard, IL passed away at 1:10 P.M. Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at Pleasant Hill Village, Girard, IL.

Mary was born January 3, 1924 in Lawrenceville, IL a daughter to Orlie & Myrtle (White) Hodge.  Mary later married Harley Irish in Bridgeport, IL in 1945.

Mary worked along side her husband who owned and operated two grocery stores in Girard & Farmersville, IL.  She also worked at Sav-Mor Pharmacy and was a Scout Leader.  Mary was a member of the Eastern Star and was an active member of the church.

Surviving Mary is a son, David (Connie) Irish of Independence, MO; daughter, Sharon (Brian) Grooms of Virden, IL; brother-in-law, Mac Irish of Virden, IL; 3 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and 1 great-great grandchild.  Preceding Mary in death are her parents; husband, Harley Irish and a brother, Robert Hodge.

Cremation rites were accorded by Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home, Virden, IL.  A memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. February 9, 2013 at the First Presbyterian Church in Virden, IL with Pastor Sue Sawyers officiating.  Memorials may be made to the church.  To leave a comment for the family please visit:  www.calvert-ferryfuneralhomes.com