Emma Lou Little

Springfield, Il.-- Emma Lou Little, 91, of Springfield, passed away at 1:50 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2015, at Concordia Village. Emma Lou was born on November 25, 1923, in Aledo, Illinois, the daughter of Denton and Tressa (Sloan) Eastman. She married William Little on June 19, 1948; he preceded her in death on May 20, 2008.

Emma Lou was a graduate of Knox College and the University of Wisconsin. She was employed as a teacher in the Peoria Public Schools for more than twenty years, retiring in 1984. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Springfield, Knox College Fifty-Year Club, Peoria Retired Teachers Association, and the American Association of University Women. She enjoyed politics, reading, and following the Cubs.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Mary. She is survived by her son Daniel (Bernadette Lintz), of Dearborn, Michigan, daughter Susan (Brian) Allen, of Springfield, daughter Martha Little, of Granada, Spain, sister Mary (Richard) Gray, of Longmont, Colorado, sister-in-law Marion Guild, of West Allis, Wisconsin, brother-in-law Richard (Isabel) Little, of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, grandchildren Joshua (Sneha) Friedland-Little, of Seattle, Rebecca Friedland-Little, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Amy Allen, of Berkeley, California, great-grandchildren Dilan, Davin, and Shane Friedland-Little, of Seattle, and many nieces and nephews.

Emma had an open and lively mind. She took great happiness in the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her strong mind, her courage, her generosity, her ability to adapt, and her devotion to her extended family. Her last word was, "Perfect."

Funeral services have been entrusted to Bisch Funeral Home West 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd., Springfield, IL 62711. The family will receive guests on Friday, July 17, 2015 from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, July, 18 2015 at 1st Presbyterian Church, 321 S. 7th St., Springfield, IL, 62701 at 11 a.m. There will be a brief time to visit at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of services.

Mrs. Little will be interred at Oak Ridge Cemetery beside her late husband, Bill, and daughter Mary.

Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Central Illinois Foodbank, to the Concordia Village Scholarship Fund, 4101 West Iles, Springfield IL 62711, or to the donor’s charity of choice.