Caroline S. Lusher Obituary (1938 - 2024)

Caroline S. Lusher 85 of Ottawa, IL passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Tjardes Health Center in Pontiac, IL, surrounded by her family. Cremation rites will be accorded and a memorial service will be held on Wednesday February 28, 2024 at 12 Noon at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac with Rev. Gretchen Stinebaugh officiating. Inurnment will be at South Side Cemetery at a later date. A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 11:00am until the hour of service. Memorials in Caroline’s name may be made to The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation at www.jdrf.org. Caroline was born on September4,1938 in Kewanee, IL to Phyllis and Warren Colwell. She is survived by one brother: Brent (Karen) Colwell , their son John of Kewanee, Il and her longtime companion Wayne Gleim of Grand Ridge, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother: John Colwell, his wife Marsha survives in Kewanee, IL Her legacy lives on through her children Lisa (Rick) Hansen of Pontiac, IL and Julie (George) Marankie of Canton, GA; grandchildren: John Hansen, Kathleen Hansen Staton, Haley Caroline (Kyle) Bobo, Marty Marankie; great-grandchildren: Nolan and Mara Hansen, Isabella Staton and Rhett Bobo Caroline went to Toulon High School. After graduating she attended St. Francis Hospital School of Nursing and graduated with honors. She became an RN and enjoyed a long and satisfying career as a nurse working at Ryburn Memorial Hospital which then became Community Hospital of Ottawa. She retired in 2008 at the age of 70. She was a compassionate and skilled caregiver. Caroline was a 59 year member of the First Baptist Church of Ottawa. She formed many long and loving friendships there. She was a faithful servant to the Lord. Our mom loved spending time with family and friends, being active in the church, traveling, playing bridge and entertaining. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Our family would like to thank everyone at Evenglow Lodge and Tjardes Health Center for their loving and compassionate care of our mom over the last 7 years. We are truly grateful for your love, kindness and support during the final days of her life. This obituary may be viewed and guestbook signed at www.calvertmemorial.com or visit us on Facebook.