Wilma Elizabeth McAninch, 85, of Bethalto, passed away at 11:24 a.m. Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at her home with her family by her side.
She was born Oct. 14, 1930, in Alton, the daughter of William J. and Edna M. (Harris) Theisen.
She married Edward Dale McAninch on May 19, 1974 in Alton. He preceded her in death on Sept. 15, 2013.
Wilma worked at Alton Mental Health Center in Alton as a Health Technician and later worked as an LPN for Home Health Care. She was a member of Cornerstone Assembly of God Church in Bethalto, where she helped in the nursery and cooked meals on Wednesdays and for funeral dinners. She enjoyed quilting, sewing, camping and most of all she loved spending time with all her family that she loved dearly.
She is survived by four children and their spouses, Gary Von Bergen of Bethalto, Linda Von Bergen of Rosewood Heights, Randy and Cindy Von Bergen of Cottage Hills, and Dawn Abner of Cottage Hills; two stepsons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Rhonda McAninch of Bethalto and Robert and Marsha McAninch of Godfrey; seven grandchildren and their spouses, Sarah Von Bergen, Angie and Michael Fish, Dustin Abner, Zach and Erica Sconce, Brady McAninch, Mack McAninch, and Christopher and Alicia McAninch; five great-grandchildren, Tyler and Matthew Fish and Noah and Nicholas Sconce, and Xyleena McAninch; her siblings and their spouses, Dorothy Palmer of Rosewood Heights, William and Wanda Theisen of Alton, and Esther and Gerald Hise of Alton; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a daughter, Marilyn Johnson; two grandchildren, Robin Johnson and Amy Williams; a brother, Elbert Theisen; a sister, Genevieve Loy; and a stepgrandson, Rob McAninch.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 24, 2016, at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, March 24, 2016, at the funeral home with Pastor Jason Pierce officiating.
Burial will follow at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey.
Memorials may be made to Samaritans Purse.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.