Elvera Ida (Hohman) Kirkland

Elvera Ida Kirkland, age 96, of Centralia, Illinois, was born on June 18, 1920, in Centralia, Illinois, the only child of Gustave and Ida (Hake) Hohman. She married Donald D. Kirkland on July 16, 1941 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia, Illinois and was married to him for 56 years until his death on November 12, 1997. She passed away peacefully at 10:53 A.M. on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at Centralia Manor in Centralia, Illinois with her daughter at her side.

Elvera was blessed with three wonderful, caring children: Bruce Kirkland and wife Judy of Lake Suzy, Florida, Steve Kirkland and wife Sherry of Lansing, Kansas and Sandy Bone and husband Gene of Carmel, Indiana. In addition, she was also blessed with four wonderful grandchildren: Greg Kirkland and wife Susan of Fishers, Indiana, Scott Kirkland and wife Kelly of Columbus, Indiana, Kendra Anderson and husband Damion of Eugene, Oregon and Christy Kirkland of Lansing, Kansas, five great-grandchildren: Drew and Kassie Kirkland, Brody and Eli Kirkland and Silas Anderson and nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her husband, Elvera was preceded in death by her parents.

During her high school years, Elvera worked as a waitress for “Shorty” Blanchard. After high school, she worked at Hollywood Brand Candy Factory and F.W. Woolworth. She also worked the lunch program at Trinity Lutheran School for 6 years. In 1956, Elvera began her 28 years as a sales clerk at The Melody Shop in Centralia, Illinois and retired in 1984.

Elvera was a life-long resident of Centralia, Illinois. She attended the Trinity Lutheran School, where she graduated Valedictorian of her class in 1934. She graduated with the Centralia Township High School's “Class of 1938.” Elvera was a life-long member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she sang in the church choir for many years. In 1953, she was one of the organizers and charter members of the Friendship Guild. She belonged to the Church Women United and was a key woman for Trinity Lutheran Church through the Guild. As a Friendship Guild project, she made the Baptismal napkins for over 25 years.

Elvera was a life-time member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Centralia V.F.W. Post 2055. She and her husband, Don, were among the first to join the Kaskaskia College Ambassadors. She loved to tend to her garden. She enjoyed traveling with her husband until they could no longer travel together. She cherished the time she spent with her family and the people around her.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia, Illinois with Pastor Mark Girardin and Pastor Perry Schefelker officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park near Centralia, Illinois. Friends may call from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Monday, January 30, 2017, at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at the Trinity Lutheran Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Elvera's honor to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia or Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School and will be received at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois. Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mrs. Kirkland’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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