Ann Marie Claypool's Obituary
Ann Marie Claypool, 82, of Charleston, Illinois, passed away on Friday, September 26, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois.
Ann was born on December 17, 1942, in Mankato, Minnesota, to William and Elaine (Wohlrabe) Fuller. On July 20, 1963, she married the love of her life, Jerry Claypool, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Mankato. A storm swept through the day prior to their wedding causing a blackout. They romantically signed their marriage license by candlelight at the clerk’s office. Ann and Jerry shared 36 wonderful years of marriage until his passing on May 9, 1999.
She is survived by her two children, Tracy (Raymond) Spencer of Tolono, Illinois, and Dave (Kim) Claypool of Effingham, Illinois; five grandchildren, Jessica Spencer, Ryan Spencer, Megan Craciun, Annastyn Claypool, and Briana Potter; and three great-grandchildren, Hydra, Maverick, and Jameson. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Elaine, her husband Jerry, and her sister, Margaret Elaine Hocevar.
Ann graduated from Ely High School in Ely, Minnesota, in 1960, and went on to earn an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing from the College of St. Catherine in Minneapolis in 1962. She began her nursing career at Mercy Hospital in Urbana, Illinois, and later worked at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, where she assisted in the surgical center until her retirement. Ann was known for her steady hands, compassionate spirit, and deep commitment to caring for others.
Ann was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Charleston, where she participated in the Lutheran Women Ladies Aid Group. She also volunteered at the Charleston food pantry and supported the Coalition for People in Need.
Ann had a deep love for gardening and landscaping, and found great joy in tending to her yard. She enjoyed traveling, especially to the ocean, and cherished her cats and flowers. She rarely missed her grandchildren’s sporting events and treasured time spent with her family and many close friends.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 902 Cleveland Ave., Charleston, Illinois. A Memorial Service will follow at 12:00 p.m., with Pastor Samuel Smith officiating. The church will provide a luncheon following Ann’s service. Private inurnment will take place at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Coles County Animal Shelter, 6818 N CR 1120 E, Charleston, IL 61920.
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