Delora M. Birkey

Delora M. Birkey of Hopedale, Il went into the arms of her beloved Savior Jesus Christ on May 14th, 2021. 

She was born to C.C. and Emma Litwiller in rural Delavan on December 30, 1924.  Delora married the love of her life Warren L. Birkey on June 27, 1946.

She leaves behind 3 sons and a daughter: Dave (Sharon) Birkey Austin, Tx., Daryl (Debbie) Birkey Mackinaw, Il, and Dale (Frances) Birkey Minier, Il and Linda (Rick) Gonder Bloomington, Il.  Grandchildren: David Birkey San Antonio, Tx, Leticia (David) Morgan Georgetown, Tx, Lori (Josh) Horning Delavan, Il, Heidi (Andrew) Dussl Burnsville, Mn, DinaMarie Birkey Hopedale,Il, Levi (Hillary) Birkey Delavan, Il, Luke (Jessica) Birkey Hopedale, Il, Chase (Valerie) Birkey LaGrange, Wy, Hunter Birkey Burns,Wy , Anna Birkey Minier, Il and Amarose Birkey Minier, Il.  11 precious great grandchildren There are also four sisters: Evelyn Good Geneva, Ne, Ruth Mark Goshen, In., LaVerne (Richard) Petersen Fort Wayne, In. and Judy (Gary) Muzzy Orlando, Fl,  one sister-in-law Lona Litwiller Hopedale,Il and one brother-in-law Bruce Burmeister LaPorte, In.  Many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She is rejoicing in heaven with her husband Warren and granddaughter Shelli.  Preceding her were brother Floyd Litwiller, sisters Carolyn Welch and Beverly Burmeister.  4 Brothers-in-law and 1 sister-in-law.

Her family was her heart, and she was our prayer warrior.  She prayed for us daily by name.  Her faith was the mainstay of her life. She was a faithful attendee of the Mennonite Women every month and also volunteered at the Et Cetera Shop in Eureka once a month for 30 years and she supported the Mennonite Relief Sale for many years.   She was in her 90’s before she decided to retire from volunteering. 

The family would like to thank Dr. Al Rossi for the last 30 years of great care given to our Mother, and the nurses on 400 wing such wonderful care of her the past week before her death.  The family would also, like to thank the Hopedale Commons Assisted living employees and residents for making our Mom feel so welcome and happy in the short time she made it her home.

A memorial service will be at 11:00 am Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at the Hopedale Mennonite Church. Pastor Kurt Walker will officiate. A visitation will be from 4-6 pm on Monday also at the church. A private family graveside service will be at Mennonite Cemetery in Hopedale. Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is handling the arrangements.

Memorials can be made to the Hopedale Mennonite Church and the Mennonite Central Committee.

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