Mary Louise Gibson Wirth

Born July 14, 1925 in Clayton to Everett D. and Ethel E. (Coffman) Gibson, she married Lloyd William Wirth on August 21, 1949 in Mason City. He died March 15, 1991 in Syracuse, Nebraska. She also was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, James E. Gibson and one sister, Jean G. Hoffman.

Surviving are one daughter, Claire (Rev. Gary) Ford of Pekin; two sons, Stephen A. Wirth of Clayton, NC and Paul G. Wirth of Urbana; seven grandchildren, Nathan (Karen) Ford of Normal, Meredith (Patrick) Oliver of Oakland, CA, Libby (Josef) Hladik of Milwaukee, WI, Katie Ford of Chicago, Abby Ford of Nashville, Alexa (Craig) Kitchen of St. Louis, MO and Gibson Wirth of Urbana and two great-grandchildren, Noah Ford and Caleb Ford.

Mary attended the University of Illinois. She was passionate about writing and worked as a correspondent reporter for the State Journal Register in Springfield. She also worked as the church secretary at First United Methodist Church in Shelbyville for a number years. Prior to moving to Shelbyville, Mary enjoyed her involvement with the Community Concert Association in Decorah, IA, while residing there.

In addition to being a gifted and published writer, Mary was diligent in writing friends and family to keep in touch. One of the big things in her life was her leadership in conducting the annual writer’s conference held at Illinois Wesleyan University each summer. She enjoyed bird watching and nature in general.

Mary was a member of First United Methodist Church in Shelbyville and formerly served the church as a Sunday school teacher for the M.I.S.C. College aged class.

Private family services will be held with burial in South Side Cemetery in Clayton. Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Illinois, 931 West 7th Street, Suite 137-110, Naperville, IL 60565.

To correspond with the family, please send cards or letters of sympathy in care of Grace United Methodist Church, 601 North 4th Street, Pekin, IL 61554. If you wish to share condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com