Mary Louise Pilgrim

Mary Louise Jones Pilgrim, 87, of Springfield died at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2008 at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Springfield. Known to her friends and family as Louise, she was born February 12, 1921 in Seymour, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Goerlick Robeck. She married Howard S. Jones on August 8, 1939 in Ludlow, IL. He preceded her in death in 1968. She later married Vincent "Drew" Pilgrim on May 22, 1972 in Springfield, IL. He preceded her in death in 1999. Louise was an avid bowler and fan of the Chicago Cubs. Louise and Howard raised 6 children while they owned and operated the Howard's IGA in Ludlow, IL, raising the majority of all the produce for their store until Howard retired in 1968. Before moving to Springfield in 1972, Louise was involved in the Altar and Rosary Society at the Sacred Heart Church in Ludlow. She was a devoted Catholic and lived her faith daily. Louise was also involved with the Theresa Guild in her early years of membership at Little Flower Catholic Church. Also preceding Mary in death were her parents; her son, Steven Jones; her brothers, Floyd Robeck, William Robeck, and Lawrence Robeck; and her sisters, Helen Curtis and Bernice Litkenhaus. She is survived by her children, Lawrence L. (wife, Patricia) Jones of Trenton, IL, Richard M. (wife, Lynn) Jones of Red Bud, IL, Joseph W. (wife, Patricia) Jones of Rantoul, Gregory Jones of Springfield, and Susan R. (husband, Darrell) Felts of Springfield; twelve grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three step-children, Mary Lucinda Pilgrim, Frances Anne Pilgrim, and Laura Jean Kehr, as well as several nieces and nephews. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. The family will receive friends for a memorial gathering from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, 100 S. Church St., Thomasboro, IL 61878. A funeral mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church with Rev. Stanley J. Malinowski, celebrant. Memorial contributions may be made to Little Flower School Tuition Fund, 800 Stevenson Dr., Springfield, IL 62703 or St. Malachy School Tuition Fund, 340 East Belle Ave, Rantoul, IL 61866. The family of Mary Louise Jones Pilgrim is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703.