Mary Degenhart

WASHINGTON-Mary E. Degenhart, 93, of Washington passed away at 9:26pm, Sunday, May 20, 2018, at Apostolic Christian Home-Eureka.

She was born on August 15, 1924 in Chenoa, IL the daughter of Homer and Garnet Stevenson Dearth.  She married James E. Degenhart on December 27, 1946 in Chenoa, IL. He passed away on August 25, 2012.  She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Charles and Harold.

Surviving are one daughter, Denise (Ron) Force of Metamora, two sons James Degenhart of Washington, and Thomas (Kathy) Degenhart of Metamora.  Also surviving are 7 grandchildren, Shawn, Jason, Amber, Chad, Erik, Julie and Sherrie.  Further surviving are 22 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. The family continues to grow and is now expecting 2 more great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.  

Mary was a 1942 graduate of Chenoa High School.  After graduation she attended Gallagher Business School.  Mary worked at the Phillips 66 station in Washington, Washington Community High School and later became the secretary at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Washington, retiring in 1983.  

She was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Washington, and a charter member of the Washington Professional Women’s Business Association. Mary was a former cub scout leader as well as a brownie leader.  She was active in several church groups, the Tazewell County Home Extension and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star 974 where she served as Past Worthy Matron. The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Apostolic Christian Home for their compassionate care of Mary. 

Services are scheduled for 11:00am Thursday, May 24, 2018, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Washington. Pastor Dick Hanson will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to her service, also at the church. Following the service, burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Washington.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Mark’s Parish Nurse Ministry.  To share memories and condolences, visit www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

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