Patsy Irene Connell Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Patsy I. Connell, age 93, of Marion, IL, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, at 2:26 a.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at the home of her daughter Jami of Marion. She was born on Saturday, October 9, 1926, in Marion, IL, the daughter of Andy Raymond “Pat” and Bessie Myrtle (Geer) Douglas. Patsy attended school in Marion and was a graduate of Marion High School Class of 1944. She was united in marriage to Robert L. “Dog” Connell on Friday, October 3, 1947, in Marion and together they shared nearly 61 years of marriage until his death on May 2, 2008. This union was blessed with four children Lila, Jackie, Robert and Jami. Early in her lifetime her working career began as a Pharmacy Technician with Park’s Pharmacy of Marion. After her marriage she remained at home to raise her family and manage her home. She later began working with the Williamson County Department of Welfare for several years and later with the State of Illinois as an Auditor traveling around the region overseeing the inventory of the state and remained in that position until her retirement. She is a member of the First Baptist Church of Marion. She also was a former member and had served as President with the Williamson County Republican Women’s Organization. Patsy was devoted to her husband who was very active in the Williamson County Republican Organization where he served as Precinct Committeeman and County Chairman for many years. She was always with him at the many political activities held in the state and region. Many have said Dog and Patsy were known as “Mr. and Mrs. Republican”. In her spare time she enjoyed cooking and baking and looked forward to planning and cooking for large family events enjoying the time they all would spend together. She also loved spending many weekends at the “Connell Cabin” located at Pleasant Valley south of Marion, a place they all could be together. Family was very important to Patsy and she was always interested in all of their many activities, especially those of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Those she leaves behind will now cherish the many memories that have been created. She is survived by her three daughters and sons-in-law, Lila and Gilbert Bratten of Springfield, IL, Jackie and Larry Leonard of Rochester, IL, and Jami and Mitch Withers of Marion; eight grandchildren, Brandy Lane and husband Michael of Chatham, IL, Traci Martin and fiancé Charles Bremer of Rochester, IL, Douglas Connell of Marion, Rachel Hill and husband Ronnie of Blueford, IL, Brett Leonard and wife Michelle of Columbus, IN, Tyler Leonard and significant other Jacquie Oatley of Sioux Falls, SD, Zane Withers and wife Marti of Creal Springs, IL and Chase Withers and wife Devin of Creal Springs, IL; nine great grandchildren, twins Noah and Avery Lane of Chatham, IL, Karli Martin of Rochester, IL, Annon Rightnowar of Blueford, IL, Samantha Hill of Blueford, , IL Audrey Leonard of Columbus, IN, Stella Leonard of Sioux Falls, SD, Bryson Withers and Alayna Withers both of Creal Springs, IL; two sisters-in-law, Charlotte Connell and Sharon Douglas both of Marion, other extended family and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; son, Robert D. “Bob” Connell; sister, Lila Campbell and brother, Allen Douglas. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion. The time of visitation for family and friends will be from 10:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2020, at the funeral home. Following the time of visitation the funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Ivan Ryan presiding. Interment will follow next to her husband in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion. For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to “The Lighthouse Shelter” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home. For additional information call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

Patsy Irene Connell

October 9, 1926 - February 19, 2020