Waunetta M. Hood's Obituary
Waunetta M. Hood, age 102, of Charleston, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Arbor Rose of Charleston, Illinois. Services celebrating and honoring her life will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 902 Cleveland Avenue in Charleston on Monday, July 28, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Samuel Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the Arcola Cemetery in Arcola, Illinois. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the Services.
Mrs. Hood was born in rural Douglas County, Illinois on January 13, 1923, the daughter of H. Alfred and Almeda (Frahm) Von Lanken. She was united in marriage to Donald J. Hood on December 8, 1946, in Tuscola, Illinois. She is survived by five nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Hood was preceded in death by her husband, Donald, who passed away August 6, 1966; a sister, Helen Von Lanken, a brother, Wayne Von Lanken, and a nephew.
Mrs. Hood began her career as a secretary to the Douglas County Home Advisor and during World War II was employed as the Assistant Clerk in the Douglas County Selective Service Office. For the next forty plus years she served as an insurance secretary, beginning with the Coles County Farm Bureau office, later with the Doyle Johnson Insurance Agency and lastly, the Clarence Miller Insurance Agency, retiring in May of 1988. She has been a long-time devoted member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Charleston where she taught Sunday School, was past President and Secretary of the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and served on the Church Board and the Altar Guild. Mrs. Hood also volunteered her time at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in the Gift Shop and with the Life Line Program. Being an avid fan of E.I.U. Panther football and basketball enhanced her association with the E.I.U. Panther Club as a board member and in her active participation with the club’s annual membership drive.
It is requested that memorial gifts in her honor be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 902 Cleveland Ave., Charleston, IL 61920.
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