Mary J. Lillard

Mary Jane Lillard, age 80, of Stronghurst, Illinois, passed away at 12:25 p.m. Monday November 21, 2016 at Great River Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa. She was born August 20, 1936 in Burlington, Iowa, the daughter of Horace Elbridge and Bernice Rose Charter Smith. On December 7, 1952, she married Calbert Edwin "Cal" Lillard in Burlington, He preceded her in death on January 14, 2006.

Mary was Social Services Director at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst for several years. Earlier in life, she worked for Conifer and also IRC in Burlington. She loved music, flower gardening, family gatherings, and visiting with her friends. She was a member of the Stronghurst United Methodist Church.

Survivors include three daughters, Patricia (Frank) Piper of Monmouth, IL, Kelly Lillard of Surprise, AZ, Lori Russell of Stronghurst, one son, Charles (Debra) Lillard of London, KY, five grandchildren, Tracy Watson, Shawn Lillard, Channon Hanson, Brian Piper, Andrew Russell, eleven great grandchildren, and one sister, Judy Bielser of Gladstone, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one grandson, Aaron Russell, one sister, Colleen Smith, and two brothers, Charles and James Smith.

The funeral for Mrs. Lillard will be at 3:00 p.m. Saturday November 26, 2016 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst. Friends may call after 10:00 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Memorials have been established for Stronghurst Ambulance Service, Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab, and Stronghurst United Methodist Church. Condolences may be left at banksandbeals.com