Eunice Lucille Chilman

    Eunice Lucille Chilman, age 94 of Cobden, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24th. She was a dedicated caregiver – with a strong and kind spirit – ready to give love and support to anyone in need. She will be deeply missed by family and friends.

    Eunice was born in Galva, Illinois on December 19, 1931, to William and Beulah Clevenger. After graduating from Galva High School in 1949 Eunice went on to complete training for nursing and worked as an R.N. in the 1950’s in hospitals in Illinois, California, New Jersey, and Michigan. Her nursing adventures and friends made along the way defined her independent and adventurous early life.

    She married Kenneth Claus Chilman in June 1959 – and together the adventure continued. They moved from the Midwest to California where Ken served with the Forest Service in Bishop, Downieville and Mammoth Lakes, California in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Eventually they moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan then Columbia, Missouri and finally settled in Cobden, Illinois – where she has lived for 50 years.

    She was an attentive mother and caregiver to family and friends – always eager to listen, give a kind word, and a warm hug. She loved her family, many travels across the U.S and internationally, Christmases on the beach, her garden and being active in the Cobden community. Eunice was devout in her faith; she was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Cobden where she served for many years as church treasurer and contributed to countless church activities. She lived a long full life – for which she felt so richly blessed.

    Eunice is survived by children Beth Chilman of Harrisburg, Illinois, Brenda Chilman of St. Louis, Missouri and Eric Chilman (Stacey) of Jonesboro, Illinois. She was blessed with amazing grandchildren: Kaitlin Chilman, Evan Chilman, Dylan Chilman and one great grandson, Jackson Claus Grover. Eunice is survived also by brother, Jim Clevenger of Galesburg, Illinois, sisters in law Eva Ann Chilman, Jane Hamblen, and brother-in-law Jim Hamblen – all of North Vernon, Indiana, and sister-in-law Alice Jones, of Loogootee, Indiana. Eunice cherished her very dear nieces and nephews and their families. She also leaves many friends who enriched her life. Eunice was preceded in death by husband, Ken, her parents, sister, Ila Faye Price, brothers in law, Wayne Chilman (North Vernon, Indiana), Marlo Chilman (Washington, Indiana), and Eugene Price (Jacksonville) and sister-in-law, Rita Clevenger (Galesburg, Illinois).

    Celebration of Life services will be held at 12:00 noon Friday, May 29th at the First Presbyterian Church of Cobden with Rev. Sterrett Collins officiating. Graveside services will follow at the Cobden Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the service at noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church of Cobden or preferred charity. Envelopes will be available at the church and the Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home. There will be a reception held at the First Presbyterian Church following graveside services.