Letha Grace Shacklee Friedman

Letha Shacklee Friedman MARION-Letha Shacklee Friedman of Marion was called to her heavenly home on July 22nd at 7:40 AM from the Heartland Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. She was 90 years of age at the time of her death. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, July 26, 2007 at Blue Funeral Home in Marion with Reverend Curt Lipe officiating. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8:30 PM, Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Murphysboro. Memorials may be made to Third Baptist Church Library Fund; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Letha was born on January 26, 1917 in Robinson, Illinois to Lindsey and Glennie (Smith) York. On January 2, 1933 she married Louis Walter Shacklee in Robinson. To this union, three children were born, Larry, Linda and Bill. They lived most of their lives in Crawford County until Louis’ failing health required them to move to Carbondale. They were married for 48 years. Louis passed away on May 30, 1981. On March 17, 1984 Letha married Phillip Friedman of Carbondale. They were married for 14 years. Phil passed away on April 6, 1988. Phil had one daughter, Beverly. Letha is survived by her son, Larry and his wife Jean of Carterville; daughter, Linda Baker of Springfield; son, Bill and his wife Sharon of Carbondale; grandchildren, Vicki Lipe and her husband Curt of Galesburg, Terri Griffin and her husband Ron of Springfield, Daniel Cortelyou of Youngsville, Louisiana, and Tiffany Shacklee of Chicago; step-grandson, Bryson Harris of Murphysboro; great grandchildren, Nathan Lipe and wife Sarah, Aaron Lipe, Toni Cortelyou, Doug Cortelyou and Cassie Duerr. Letha was preceded in death by he parents; two husbands; one brother; one sister; and one grandson. Letha accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and was baptized as a young girl. Throughout her life she faithfully served her Lord through His church. She taught Children’s Sunday School classes, Vacation Bible School, sang in the choir, played the piano and organ, and served in many other positions. In the last few years she was limited in her ministry because of poor eyesight, but attended church services as often as possible. She was a member of Third Baptist Church in Marion. Letha loved being homemaker and also worked outside the home most of her life helping to provide for her family. Spending time with her family and friends was her greatest pleasure. Her 90th birthday was a very special time because son many of her family and friends celebrated it with her. She loved a celebration and now she is able to enjoy and unending celebration with her Savior, departed loved ones and friends in her heavenly home.