Nola Aylward

Nola June Aylward, born October 7, 1938, was a devoted mother, faithful church member, and a woman of deep Christian faith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Aylward.

She was a loving mother of two dedicated sons, Scott Giberson, born March 6, 1960, and Brandon Giberson, born November 20, 1962. She also has three grandchildren, Joel Giberson and his wife Madison, Jenna & her husband Sylvan Maloney, and Jessica Giberson. Her family carries deep appreciation for the years they shared with her and for the many beautiful memories she was part of, that they will cherish in her absence

Nola was active in church life for many years. She attended Grace Lutheran, in Peoria for many years as she became increasingly devoted to Jesus Christ. Then for many years she attended Faith Christian Center (now Faith Church), in Washington, IL. For most of the last twenty plus years, she primarily attended Glad Tidings Church, in East Peoria, IL near her home. Her faith was central to her life, and she remained deeply involved in women’s groups that met several times each week, often in the homes of dear friends and sometimes they met at Mt. Hawley Country Club.

She also faithfully attended a group known as ACTS at Glad Tidings every Thursday for many years. This group was anchored by a longtime brother in Christ, and longtime friend, Elmer Moldenhauer. The friendships she built in those circles meant a great deal to her, and she loved these people dearly.

Nola found joy in life’s simple blessings. She loved feeding the birds and watching finches, sparrows, and hummingbirds every morning, most often with two pooches in her lap. She enjoyed sewing for many years, loved watching her favorite television programs, and took special pleasure in dressing up elegantly whenever she went out, a habit she kept even into her final days.

She also compiled around 200 songs that she said came to her via the Holy Spirit. She blessed many people by offering to sing these when they were together. The ladies that she fellowshipped with often referred to her as their Songbird.

Her family is especially grateful to OSF Hospital for the care they provided and for the added years and precious time that care made possible. Though our hearts are broken that we can no longer make memories with her here, we take comfort in believing that she is now making new memories with Jesus Christ and with loved ones who preceded her in death.

Her funeral will be at 11:00 am Thursday, September 3, 2026 at Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont.  Visitation will be one hour before the service at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

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