Ilene Mae Rettle Boucher, nee Sowers, 87, of Belleville, IL, born Friday, February 18, 1921, in Floyd, VA, died Wednesday, November 12, 2008 at home with her loved ones.
Boucher was raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The simple pleasures of farm life were many and God's blessings were abundant.
Mrs. Boucher moved to Arlington, Virginia where she met and married her beloved husband Joseph Norman Rettle on June 20, 1947. They then moved to Belleville, IL and started their family. During their marriage she worked part time as a checker/cashier for Kroger.
Upon the untimely death of her husband on March 13, 1966 she worked full time as a bank teller. She was employed by St. Clair Bank, Bank of Belleville and Magna Bank. She retired in 1990 from Magna Bank. During retirement she helped take care of elderly people and enjoyed Cardinal baseball.
Ilene was a very happy and social person. She was a friend to everyone she met. She was active in Parents without Partners, the Fellowship for Christian Singles, AARP # 2728, The Senior Club and The Golden Ring Sunday School Class. She enjoyed spending time with family, friends and visiting relatives in Virginia, visiting them last in June 2008.
Ilene was baptized at an early age giving her life to Christ. Her strong Christian faith in God was an important part of her life. This faith gave her the ability to never worry about anything. Even facing open heart surgery at the age of 80 she was calm and knew the Lord would take care of her. She was a member of Cornerstone Christian Church in Shiloh, IL.
Ilene raised her 2 children and helped wherever needed with her 5 grandchildren. She was affectionately known as granny! She demonstrated an incredible strength throughout her life. She has been the rock and inspiration for our family. We love her dearly and will miss her more than words can say. We find comfort and rejoice knowing this good and faithful servant is with the Lord.
A special thank you to Hospice of Southern Illinois and Cornerstone Christian Church.
She is preceded in death by:
She is survived by:
Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Heart Assoc or American Diabetes Assoc..
Visitation: Friends may call from 2-8 P.M., Friday, November 14, 2008 at the Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, Illinois.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, November 15, 2008 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Howard Thomure and Kelley Householder officiating. Interment will follow at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Belleville, IL
