Della J. Foster

Della Jean Foster, 93, of Oneida, Illinois, died peacefully at home, Monday, December 23, 2024 at 2:32 p.m.

Della was born June 16, 1931 in Rio, Illinois, the daughter of Herman P. and Martha E. (Munson) Devlin. She graduated from R.O.V.A. High School and married Jack Lee Foster on October 30, 1950 in Burlington, Iowa. Della and Jack were married just shy of 67 years, upon his death on March 9, 2017. Della is survived by one son, Danny (Dennise) Foster of Alexis, Illinois; two daughters, Lori (Bob) Davis of Kirkwood, Illinois, and Marty (Tedd) DeBonis of Springfield, Illinois; one brother, Darrel (Martha) Devlin of Galesburg; nine grandchildren, Jeremy Foster, Colt Foster, Sommer Munson, Jamie Dillbeck, Colby Davis, Ryan Dillbeck, Molly Cassidy, Mariah Street, and Macey Debonis; twenty-two great grandchildren; and four great great grandchildren. Along with her parents and husband, Della was preceded in death by five sisters, Dorothy Holt, Ila Berry, Glennis Reem, Anna Rose Rednour, and Lavonne Devlin; and four brothers, Frankie Devlin, Cletus Devlin, Lee Devlin, and Herman Devlin, Jr.

Della’s strong Christian faith led her to being a longtime active member at United Church of Oneida, where she taught and attended Sunday School, was in the women’s club, volunteered for many years with the Bible School, and belonged to Bible study groups. Della was a member of TOPS of Oneida. Della worked for many years, first at Hagberg Thede Company, then Oneida Snack Shack, and retired from ROWVA Cafeteria in 1996. Most of all, Della loved being with her family and being in her kitchen baking and cooking. Della’s big heart, warm smile, and gentle touch will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Memorial visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. The memorial service for Della will be at 11:00 a.m. Pastor David Pyell will officiate. Luncheon will follow at the Thomas Legacy Center. Private family burial of Jack and Della will be at Oneida Cemetery, Oneida, Illinois at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Compassus, Galesburg Rescue Mission, Knox County Humane Society, or to United Church of Oneida.