Laura Handley

Laura E. Handley, 89, of Cerro Gordo, IL, died 2:00 a.m., Tuesday, August 20, 2013, at Evergreen Senior Living in Decatur, IL. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 23, 2013, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Cerro Gordo, IL, with visitation 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 22, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Cerro Gordo Cemetery, Cerro Gordo, IL. Memorials may be made to Cerro Gordo American Legion Auxiliary Unit 117. Laura was born September 13, 1923, in Ramsey, IL, the daughter of Zorah and Martha (Swadley) Meyerholz. She married Kenneth Wayne Handley on June 22, 1943 in St. Louis, MO. He preceded her in death on June 11, 1993. Laura was a hard-working and kind woman who enjoyed her family, family gatherings and reunions, gardening and canning, volunteering with the Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Post 117, playing bingo and going to the riverboat, caring for her flowers, and eating coconut cream pie. She was a member of Cerro Gordo American Legion Auxiliary Unit 117. She is survived by her sons Lorn L. (Kathryn) Handley of Cerro Gordo, IL, Kenneth Wayne (Mary) Handley, Jr. of Decatur; daughter Lana S. (Thomas) Miller of Beecher City, IL; grandchildren Teresa (Rick) Beldock of Oakley, IL, Galen C. Handley of Cerro Gordo, IL, Beth A. (Rob) Grupe of Effingham, IL; great-grandchildren Robert E. Weaver III and Brittany E. Weaver, all of Cerro Gordo, Timothy A. Weaver of Oakley, Maddison B. Handley of Merritt Island, FL, Skyler Henderson of Mt. Zion, Samantha Grupe, Christopher Grupe and Matthew Grupe, all of Effingham, IL; great-great-grandson Owen Wright of Cerro Gordo; and many treasured nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Kenneth, three brothers and three sisters. Laura's family is grateful for the kindness and compassion of all those people who have cared for her recently: Dr. Richard Fritz and his office staff, every person involved in her care at Evergreen Place, the caregivers at St. John's Hospice, and Rev. Wayne Smith. May God continue to use all of you as instruments of healing and peace. "
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