Stella Mae Whitacre

Stella Mae Whitacre, 88, of Oquawka, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 22, 2017, 3:55 AM at Henderson County Retirement Home, Stronghurst, Illinois. Stella was born on April 17, 1929 in Avon, Illinois. She was the daughter of Charles and Twyla (Shafer) Serven. She married the love of her life Willard E. Whitacre on July 6, 1946, in Newport Kentucky. Stella is survived by her husband of 70 years, Willard of Oquawka; two daughters, Karen (Don) Lovett, Oquawka, and Joyce (Paul) Hoffacker, Inglis Fl; six sisters, Cora Franklin, Opal Cozadd, Marge Douglas, all of Galesburg, Leta Fell of Monmouth, Linda Johnson of Knoxville, Jean Norris of Chestnut; six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and two step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Carol Vancil; and two sisters Bertha McCormick and Climeta Bryant.Stella was a machinist at OMC Gale Products for eleven and a half years until her retirement in 1978. She was a devoted wife and mother. Stella was a member of the Warren County Home Extension; she was a troop leader for the Girl Scouts. She loved to knit, crochet, garden and write poetry. Her favorite past time of all was to spend time with her family and friends. Stella was truly loved by all, and her presence will be greatly missed. Per Stella's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service is planned for 2:00 PM, on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg, Illinois. A private scattering of her cremated remains will be held at a later date. Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory are in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the St. Jude's Children Hospital in Stella's honors.