Ileene Ealy's Obituary
SIERRA VISTA, AZ - Ileene Ealy, age 81 of Sierra Vista, Arizona and formerly of Charleston, was welcomed home into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, August 21, 2014 at the Life Care Center located in Sierra Vista. Visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, August 27, 2014 from noon until 2:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating her life will be held at the funeral chapel at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, immediately following the visitation, with Pastor Tom Skinner officiating. Interment will follow in Dodge Grove Cemetery in Mattoon. Thoughtful donations in her honor to assist with final expenses will be gratefully accepted and may be made to her daughter, Jeanna Garland. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Ileene was born on July 31, 1933 in Charleston to the late Silas and Mary Ann "Millie" (Stevens) Hargis. She was united in marriage to Cecil Ealy on December 18, 1969 and they were married only 15 years prior to his death on February 12, 1985. Ilene was blessed with three children whom she loved and cherished. She is survived by two of her children, a son, Bruce and his wife Kathy, and a daughter Jeanna; grandchildren, Angie Ritz, Heather Rardin, Derek Fitzpatrick, Allen Fitzpatrick, Jill Lawhorn, Lisa Fitzpatrick and Jackie Garland; and a brother, Paul Hargis and wife Gloria. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her daughter, Sarah, three brothers and one sister. Ileene was an avid rock collector and geodes were one of her favorites. She was employed 20 years with CCAR and she lovingly and patiently cared for and nurtured mentally handicapped individuals, for she knew full well how much beauty and potential were inside. Her faith was as tried and true as Job's. While living in Charleston she faithfully attended Friendship Baptist Church and in Sierra Vista found a church home at Calvary Chapel. Her family remembers her as an avid animal lover, especially of her treasured Chihuahua, Rosie and the many hummingbirds. She had the curiosity of a scientist, the dexterity of a clock maker and the adventurous spirit of a world traveler. There was nothing she couldn't fix and she was always open to learning new things, whether it was a new recipe or tackling Spanish in the last few years of her life. Her family and friends are certain she is tending a heavenly garden, catching up with family and friends, and "clinging to the Old Rugged Cross" . She will always be missed but fondly remembered.
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