Juanita A. (Phinney Elbert) Schierer

Juanita Ann (Phinney Elbert) Schierer, 88, of Metamora, IL, passed away peacefully at 10:05 am on Thursday, June 20, 2024, at Grand View Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Peoria, IL.

She was born on January 27, 1936, in Peoria, IL, to Harry D. and Jennie Anna (Guppy) Phinney. Her early years were spent in Peoria. As she was entering high school, the family moved to Germantown, and she completed her education in Metamora. It was there she made many friends and met her first husband, Howard J. Elbert. They were married from 1955 until 1985. She married Robert C. Schierer on February 8, 1988 in Metamora, IL.

Surviving are: her husband, Bob of Metamora; three children, Karen Elbert (Ted Sundstrom) of Grand Rapids, MI, Dave (Sue) Elbert of Metamora, and Ben (Kim) Elbert of Morton, IL; six grandchildren, Jennifer (Brad) McClure, Jake Elbert, Mollie (Brian) Zimmerman, Laura Elbert Sundstrom (Jon Cervone-Richards), Brett Elbert, and Kellie (Max) Aper; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Camille Murrell of Indiana; and two step children, Tama Schierer and Ted Schierer. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Howard Elbert, daughter Diane Elbert, and two sisters, Eileen (Phinney) Chaney and Sheila (Phinney) Carter.

Juanita was an accountant for the Peoria Journal Star and Metamora Industries, as well as managing business for Mt. Vernon Properties. She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora. Her great love of family and beauty manifested in beautiful gardens, homes, cooking and baking, sewing and needlework. A voracious reader, she donated many books to the Metamora Public Library. She found joy in all holidays and always worked to make them special. Later in life she became a collector and expert in antique dolls, as well as an avid traveler.

The last three years of Juanita's life were spent at Grand View Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Peoria. The family wishes to offer their deep gratitude to all the staff at Grand View for the excellent care, understanding, and love expressed to her on her journey.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior at 9:30 am until mass time. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Metamora. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Mary's School, 400 West Chatham Street, Metamora, IL 61548 or to the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, 215 West Illinois Street, Suite 1C, Chicago, IL 60654. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

St. Mary's School
400 West Chatham Street, Metamora IL 61548

National Kidney Foundation of Illinois
215 West Illinois Street, Suite 1c, Chicago IL 60654
Tel: 1-312-321-1500
Web: https://www.nkfi.org/