Lena Estella Sobieski's Obituary
Lena E. Sobieski, 89, of Ashmore, IL, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025, at the Commons at Honey Creek in Terre Haute, IN. She was born on June 8, 1935, in Sissonville, WV.
Lena is survived by her three sisters, Mamie Richey of Charleston, IL, Ferne Reasor of Bonita Springs, FL, and Glenna (Tom) Hiett of Marshall, IL; her daughter Sherry Schmitt of Newport News, VA; two stepsons, John & David Sobieski; nine grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren; She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Lena was preceded in death by her mother Margie Whitaker; stepfather, Marshall Whitaker; husband, John Sobieski; son, Terry Beason; one grandchild; and four siblings: Genny Hall, Reno Blackshire, Joanie Coffey, Patricia Hubbard and her first husband, Mac Beason.
Lena was born in West Virginia and her family later settled in Ashmore, IL. She attended Charleston High School, and she was employed at General Electric in Mattoon, IL., where she met her second husband, John Sobieski. They relocated to Cleveland, OH, where they continued working for GE.
When she wasn't singing “You are My Sunshine”, Lena pursued a career as a Medical Assistant at Cleveland Clinic and later became a DJ at WATJ Radio in Chardon, OH. She often volunteered her services to the Red Cross. When Lena retired she continued her life of service by helping with family, traveling extensively, and eventually settling in her new home in Ashmore, IL.
A free spirit, Lena had a love for music (particularly country music) and enjoyed playing various instruments and especially cherished the company of her large family and many friends. She was baptized in 1970 at the Ashmore Baptist Church and attended the Enon Baptist Church in Ashmore.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston, IL. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL, with Pastor Don Lusk officiating. Burial will follow at Ashmore Cemetery in Ashmore, IL.
Memorial donations to provide instruments for students in need, may be made to the Charleston High School Music Department, 1615 Lincoln Ave., Charleston, IL 61920.
To view the obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle, or share memories, please visit www.adamsfuneralchapel.com. Adams Funeral Chapel of Charleston, IL, is handling the arrangements.
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