Jean Rae Derry

Jean Rae Swiger Derry, 92, Villas of Hollybrook, Morton, formerly of Washington, passed away November 12, 2023. She was born June 24, 1931, in Peoria to Lesta Harper Swiger and Raymon Isaac Swiger. Both are deceased.

She attended Creve Coeur public schools and graduated from East Peoria Community High School, and attended Bradley University where she earned a bachelor’s degree(BME) in Music Education, and a graduate degree in Guidance and Counseling. She was initiated in Sigma Alpha Iota, a national honorary fraternity for women in music.

She married Ben D. Derry on June 28, 1953, at Westminster Church in Peoria, Illinois.

Jean was a member of the East Peoria First United Methodist Church and was active in the choir and handbell ensemble. For many years she sang in the Ecu-Keys, a local woman’s gospel choir. She especially enjoyed piano accompanying grade school music students, and many church activities.

She taught sixth grade at Parkview School, in Creve Coeur for 33 years. She held dear the time she spent with teachers, staff, and students. She had also been enjoying a once-a-month lunch with a group of these fellow teachers.

Summers were spent traveling by car, boat and taking classes at Bradley and I.C.C. with her daughter who also was a teacher.

She leaves one daughter, Laura, and a grandson Jack, both of Creve Coeur.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial will be in Fondulac Cemetery along with her husband at a later date. Remmert Funeral Home in East Peoria is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Tazewell County Animal Control, 21314 Illinois Route 9, Tremont, Illinois, 62568 or Pets for Seniors and Pets for Saving, 3809 Sterling Ave. Suite 107 - Sterling Plaza, Peoria, IL. 61615.

Ben Dwayne Derry, 88, passed away December 8, 2020, at 10:00 p.m. at Generations in Peoria. He was born July 5, 1932, in Jefferson, Iowa to Ben S. Derry and Clara Tasler Derry. Both are deceased.

Ben graduated from East Peoria Community High School, Caterpillar four-year machine apprentice course, and Bradley University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of the armed forces for two years.

He married Jean Rae Swiger on June 28, 1953, at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Peoria.

He was employed in succession by Caterpillar, Hiram Walker, Fleming Potter, and retired as head of Gem Co in 1991.

Ben and his wife spent many hours traveling by car, boat, or motorcycle. Ben was a founding member of H.I.S.C.C. (Heart of Illinois Sports Car Club). They also bowled in a mixed couples league at Plaza Lanes in Washington.

Ben enjoyed music and played cornet in the Caterpillar Band and a local dance band.

Surviving are his daughter, Laura, and grandson Jack Goetze, both of Creve Coeur. He also has a sister, Linda Derry, of Selma, Alabama.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial will be in Fondulac Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Tazewell County Animal Control, 21314 Illinois Route 9, Tremont, Illinois, 62568 or Pets for Seniors and Pets for Saving, 3809 Sterling Ave. Suite 107 - Sterling Plaza, Peoria, IL. 61615.J