Emily H. Michael

WASHINGTON...Emily H. Michael, 97, formerly of Washington, passed away at 3:15 a.m., Sunday, November 6, 2011 at Pekin Manor Nursing Home. She was born on June 24, 1914 in Washington to Henry and Anna Marchand Holtzman. Emily married Burnett Gresham in Washington on November 6, 1936. He passed on November 5, 1946. She later married Joseph Michael on July 4, 1953 in Washington and he died on March 10, 1988. Among those surviving are three sons, Steve (Barbara) Gresham of Pekin, James (Kathy) Gresham of Decatur and Thomas (Dee) Michael of Washington; one daughter, Patricia (Larry) Curless of Pekin; one brother, Robert Holtzman of Peoria; 12 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by three great grandchildren; two sisters, Dorothy and Elizabeth and one brother, Donald. Emily had worked for more than 30 years as a secretary at Washington Community High School and she retired in 1976. She also was a lifelong member of St. Mark?s Lutheran Church in Washington where she had been active in various women?s groups and a member of the Dorcas Sunday School Class. Funeral services for Emily will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, November 9, 2011 at St. Mark?s Lutheran Church with Pastor John Bates officiating. Burial will follow in Glendale Cemetery in Washington. Visitation will be at the church from 10 to 10:45 a.m. on Wednesday. Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington is in charge of arrangements. Memorials for Emily may be made to her church. Those serving as pallbearers are David Gresham, Allan Gresham, Michael Gresham, Brad Curless, David O'Donoghue and Christopher Michael.