Obituary of Martha Ilene Mansfield

Martha “Ilene” Turner Mansfield, of Pekin, formerly of Carlinville, died Friday, October 19, surrounded by family at Kountry View in Hanna City, where she made her home for the last 5 years. Ilene was born to Hallie (Hartsook) and Howard Turner on September 11, 1919, in Scottville, Illinois, on the next farm over from the Union School- out in the middle of nowhere. She was the oldest of five children: Ernest, Lester, William, and Ollie Laycock who all preceded her in death. She spent her childhood in the Palmyra and Modesto area.

Ilene married Delbert Mansfield February 1, 1939, and enjoyed 73 years of marriage before he preceded her in death in 2012. Ilene spent the majority of her married life in Carlinville, IL and Pekin, IL. Ilene was a loving mother to, and is survived by four children:Wanda Konneker of Carlinville, Ernest D Mansfield of Washington,IL, Ronald D (Jenene) Mansfield of Schwertz, TX and Philip D. (Cindy) Mansfield of Pekin. She was a loving and doting grandmother and is survived by 12 grand children: Kim Crandall (Mark) of Morton, IL, Jaci Mansfield (Debbie) of Schwertz, TX, Travis Mansfield (Cathy) of Washington, IL, Rachelle Konneker-Keck (David) of Carlinville, Brandon Mansfield of Schertz, TX, Greta Cox (Kevin), of Danville, Il, April Mansfield of Austin, TX, Eric Konneker (Amanda) of Carlinville, Colleen Mansfield of Pekin, Daniel Mansfield of Colorado Springs, CO, Amy Mansfield of Pekin, and Jack Mansfield of Pekin; 11 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

Ilene was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert, 3 brothers, Ernest, Lester, and William Turner, and a sister, Ollie Laycock.

Ilene enjoyed a long and healthy life. She was a breast cancer survivor, being diagnosed in the mid 1990’s only to have it resurface and metastasized two years ago.

She was a great friend and neighbor to many. She loved cooking for large family meals where there was always plenty of food and no one ever ate enough. Throughout her life, Ilene was an avid seamstress and was known for making a dress in a day. She made her own patterns and often outfitted her children and grandchildren with clothing, costumes, blankets and stuffed toys. She enjoyed quilting and cross stitching. She loved to play games- “Hide the thimble” was a favorite when the grandkids were small. She also enjoyed long nights with games of “Sequence” with her family. She taught Sunday School at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Carlinville, Il. She last worked for Murray’s Shoes in the Pekin Mall, retiring in the early 1980’s.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the Helping Hands staff and the residents at Kountry View who provided great care and friendship throughout Ilene’s declining years.

She was a member of Liberty Baptist Church in Pekin.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, October 23, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at the Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Carlinville, with Rev. Lester Turner officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service.

Burial will be in Mayfield Memorial Park Cemetery in Carlinville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Metavivor Research and Support, Inc. 1783 Forest Drive #184 Annapolis, MD 21401.