W. Mabel Heady

Mrs. W. Mabel Heady, 93, formerly of R.R. Wataga, passed away peacefully at 1:20 am Thursday, January 22, 2015 at Rosewood Care Center of Galesburg.

She was born Sept.4, 1921in Cave City, Kentucky, the daughter of Henry and Sarah Chapman.

She married Harvey Heady, Aug. 31, 1939 in Davenport, Iowa. He preceded her in death Nov.17, 2003. She was also preceded in death by her oldest child Gerald Lee (Jerry) Heady and his wife Joyce, her parents, a sister, Dorothy Adwell Parrish, brothers, Lovis and Paul Chapman and her beloved uncle Larkin Johnson.

She is survived by a son, Lawrence (Larry) Heady of Woodhull; two daughters, Linda (Kenney) Harmison and Judith (Judy) (Tracy) Knisely both of Galesburg; many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was also blessed with seven great-great-grandchildren

She attended school in Kentucky until her family moved to Illinois. She worked as a housekeeper for the Max Bullman family until her marriage.

As a young mother of four, she was run over by a tractor.  After weeks of recovery she went back to raising her family and working hard along side of her husband on the farms they rented. In 1975, they finally were able to purchase a small acreage and build the first home she could call her own. She then went to work at Butler Manufacturing for almost 10 years to pay for that home. Retiring in 1987 to care for her ailing husband.

She was happy, proud and worked hard in her very large, beautiful and productive garden. Always willing to share it's bounty. Her fruit trees filled many pies. One of her favorite things was to make fresh cinnamon rolls for family and church. Her peanut brittle was a must at Christmas time. Many cats also found her home a welcoming place.

She was very active in her church and the WELCA ladies group. She loved taking charge of the kitchen and altar. The Bible was her favorite book and was always beside her chair.

She was a hard-working woman who loved her home, family, gardening, her flowers, rocks, reading and her cats.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday, January 26, 2015 at the Messiah Lutheran Church, Henderson Grove with Pastor Kurt Carlsen and grandson, Lester LaFollette officiating. Visitation will be  from 9:30AM to 11:00AM Monday at the Church.   Burial will be at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church.  Online condolences may be left at www.h-p-w.com.