Leora L. Wise

Leora Lucille (Fuel) Wise, 95, of Olivet, passed away at 2:54pm, Wednesday, March 3, 2010, while at home. She was born on November 2, 1914, the daughter of James Monroe and Lucy (Cook) Fuel in Vermilion Grove, IL. She was united in marriage to William Paul Wise on January 8, 1934, until his passing. She was a member of the Vermilion Grove Friends Church for many years and sang in the choir. She graduated from the Academy in Vermilion Grove in 1932. Leora was also preceded in death by: her infant daughter, Cheryl Ann: her brothers, Paul Fuel, Leonard Fuel, & Noel Fuel; her sisters, Gladys Richardson, Ruth Burris, & Jean Foley; two grandsons, Ronnie J Wise & Michael Joe Wise; and her daughter-in-law, Roberta (Crook) Wise. Those she leaves behind include: her sons, Ronald P. Wise & Lary (Wilma) Wise; her grandchildren, Cheryl (Joe) Abbed, Aleta (Ray) Garcia, Yvonna (Deivis) Carnieri, Debra (Lloyd) Stark; her great grandchildren, Joey Abbed, Cheri (Clay) Saltijeral, Michelle (James) Petty, Leah Garcia, Ray Garcia, Isabella Carnieri, Thomas Fisher, Chelsee, Luke, Felicia, Eric, & Drew Stark; her 15 great-great grandchildren; and several nieces & nephews, as well as, many extended family members. Leora loved her children, family, life and living in Olivet near her family, neighbors, & friends. She looked forward to the spring to plant her vegetable garden and canning preserved tomatoes, zucchini, beans, and corn for the winter. She loved her flower garden around the house, but she is best known for her giant amaryllis. She looked forward to her soap operas everyday and never missed Wheel of Fortune. Leora was a stoic woman and the matriarch of our family. Her door was always open and she made everyone feel at home. She took care of us all at some point and enjoyed long visits with family. She loved to sing and play her piano, often hymns. She loved to relax and read the daily newspaper, work the crossword puzzles, and beat everyone in Scrabble. On special occasions, she enjoyed her favorite treat, blooming onions. Leora was a great cook. She took great pride in her Jell-O recipes, zucchini bread, GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE, fried chicken, oyster stew, and homemade egg noodles that she prepared with lots of love. Through the years, she passed down many of her recipes and traditions to her grandchildren. She will be truly missed by her family and extended family. A celebration of Leoras life will be held at 11:00am, Monday, March 8, 2010, at Sunsets Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, 200 E West St, Georgetown. Visitation will be 1-4pm, Sunday, March 7, 2010, at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Vermilion Grove Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given in Leoras name to Vermilion Grove Friends Church or Olivet Church of the Nazarene. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com