Anna Louise Bontz

Anna was born July 14, 1933 in Peoria to Claus and Katie (Kruse) Smith. She grew up on her family’s farm in Peoria County. Her family raised dairy cows, horses, and chickens. Anna was an only child. She married Leland Ellsworth Bontz on September 19, 1953 in Bartonville. He died March 9, 2012 in Peoria.

She was also preceded in death by her parents.

She and her husband were blessed with 58 years of marriage and went on to have ten children, Deborah (George) Andreadis, Diana (Andy) Legaspi, David (Jody) Bontz, Florence (Doug) Clark, George Bontz, Patricia (Curt) Caudill, Barbara (John) Cunningham, Linda Look, William (Laurie) Bontz, and Robert Bontz. She has 21 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was a 1951 graduate of Manual High School in Peoria.

She was an administrator and worked on their Holstein Dairy farm. She drove the grain truck to the elevator during harvest time. Anna was always on the road taking her children to church, sporting events, 4-H, or picking up meals for the family. She was her family’s #1 cheerleader. She was a fan of the Bradley Braves and Chicago Cubs.

A selfless person, Anna gave to others freely without asking for anything in return. Her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Anna also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She immediately lit up any room she entered and made an impact on so many people. She was quick-witted and beautiful.

She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Bartonville, where she played the piano during the Sunday school hour in earlier years.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at St. John Lutheran Church in Bartonville. Pastor Michael Jones will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday and also from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, both at church. Burial will be in the church cemetery following the funeral. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Home & Crematory in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, The Courtyard Estates of Green Valley activity fund, or to the American Cancer Society. Anna was a colon cancer survivor.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com.