This memorial website was created to remember our dearest Gwendolyn Valdora Beechler who was born in Springfield, Illinois on October 3, 1921 and passed away on August 16, 2008. She will live forever in our memories and hearts.
Gwendolyn Valdora Beechler, 86, of Peoria, passed away at 5:35 a.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2008, at Proctor Hospital in Peoria.
Gwendolyn was born in Springfield on October 3, 1921, a daughter of Charles and Pearl (Boyd) Hoffman. She married Eugene “Bud” Lawrence Beechler, Sr. on August 21, 1940 in Mt. Pulaski. He preceded her in death on September 2, 1982 in Peoria. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one sister and one brother.
She is survived by her daughter, Phyllis J. (Bob) Harmon of North Pekin; son, Eugene “Bud” Lawrence (Jill) Beechler, Jr. of Palos Park; brother, Robert “Bob” (Joyce) Hoffman of Washington; six grandchildren, Tina, Jim, Mike, Brian, Matt and Sarah; and ten great grandchildren.
Gwendolyn was a member of the Peoria Seventh-Day Adventist Church, where she served as a Sabbath School Teacher and Deaconess. She volunteered at the Illinois Eye Center and as a fundraiser for the St. Jude Midwest Affiliate.
She enjoyed puzzles; Bradley Braves Basketball; golf, especially Tiger Woods; spending time in the winter in Cypress Gardens, Florida in her and Bud’s trailer; family functions; and making hook rugs and ceramics. Gwendolyn even ran a ceramics business out of her home.
She loved listening to music from the ‘40’s, ‘50’s, Perry Como and Elvis Presley, but “The Old Rugged Cross” was her favorite song. To help “remind” people of her birthday, she would always sing a song that she made-up, “October Third is My Birthday”.
Gwendolyn cared about people, was a good mother and always put others before herself. She will be remembered as a caring, kind and loving woman, who was religious and loved the Lord.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Gwendolyn and Bud’s wedding anniversary, Thursday, August 21, 2008, at her church, with Pastor Clarence Small officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be at Parkview Cemetery in Peoria.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Peoria Seventh-Day Adventist Church Philippine Mission Project.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home in Peoria.
| Nina & Nector Santos |
Friends from Michigan |
August 19, 2008 |
Phyllis, Tina and family, we are sadden for your loss. We are praying for comfort. Wishing for Jesus soon return when all sadness will be over!! Hugs and blessings.
| J.L. |
TO THE FAMILY |
August 18, 2008 |
A LIFETIME OF MEMORIES SHOWN HERE. TO KEEP AND TREASURE ALWAYS.
THINKING OF EACH OF YOU.
| Tom and Karen Goyins |
Friends from Fla. |
August 18, 2008 |
Phyllis and Jim we were so sorry to hear that your mother and grandmother passed away. I couldn't believe that she was 86. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love and God Bless, Tom and Karen
