Lelia Stricklin
Bethalto |
Lelia F. Stricklin, 85, of Bethalto, passed away on July 18, 2018, at her residence.
She was born on February 21, 1933 in Harrisburg, IL, the daughter of Lowell Howard and Cora Ann (Gray) Johnson. She married John Francis Stricklin on November 24, 1951 in Harrisburg, IL. He preceded her in death on January 6, 2007.
Lelia was a member of Bethalto United Methodist Church. Music was an important part of her life. She began piano lessons before she started school and continued lessons throughout her school years. She sang in the church choir and taught piano and organ at different times for over 50 years. She had a lifelong love of learning that she shared with all of her daughters and students. She never stopped reading. For many years she was a Respiratory Therapist at several local hospitals and retired from St. Anthony's in Alton, in 1997. She enjoyed meeting people and made friends wherever she went.
Our door was always open for anyone who wanted or needed a warm hug and someone to listen. She loved to cook and was happiest when she was feeding and caring for friends and family. She and John enjoyed fellowship with friends at the Methodist Church for many years
She is survived by three children, Jane (Dan) Anderson of Tempe, AZ, Virginia (Ginger) Stricklin of Bethalto, and Amy (Lou) Bleile of St. Louis; 7 grandchildren, John and Rachel Anderson, Lacey and Nick Kleespie, Keith Bleile, Jessie Bleile, and Karalyn Skinner
Along with her parents and husband, Lelia was preceded in death by three older siblings, Mary June (Johnson) Holaday, Lowell Howard Johnson Jr., and Virginia Mae (Johnson) Proper.
In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be given to Bethalto United Methodist Church or Bethalto Public Library. In her memory a fund is being established at Trimpe Middle School for students who would like to start band but aren?t able to afford instrument rental, it is the Lee Stricklin Fund for Middle School Instrument Rentals, at Trimpe Middle School, c/o Laura Gipson, Assistant Principal.
A Celebration of Life will be held on September 2, 2018, at Bethalto United Methodist Church, at 2:00 pm. Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
