Born August 06, 1933 in West Frankfort, IL she was born the daughter of Stanley and Edith (Hurst) Gifford. She married John Thomas Truitt on April 14, 1956 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria, Illinois. He Survives. Mary managed the photography advertising department for Caterpillar until her retirement. She was a former and active member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church where she volunteered for mercy dinners and served as a Eucharistic Minister. Mary was also a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church and served as past Administrator for SHARE FOOD for 18 years. Mary was past president of the CAT Girls Club, was the 2004 recipient of the Pere Marquette Award, and was a previous member of the Spalding Booster Club.
Survivors include her husband John, of Peoria; three children: John Gifford (Michele) Truitt of Benton, IL, Julie Anne Hallar of Peoria, Cathi Elizabeth (John) Steffens of Arlington, TX; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Martha Jane House of Lafayette, IN; as well as, numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, two twin brothers, and one grandson.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 at 9:30 AM with Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM to follow at St. Thomas Catholic Church. Father Eugene A. Radosevich will officiate and burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in West Peoria.
Memorials in Mary’s memory may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
SHARE OBITUARY
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