By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Eileen Fritsch Kent
23683a.jpg
Eileen Fritsch Kent, 88, of Shannon, passed away Saturday morning, April 2, 20ll, at Manor Court of Liberty Village.

Eileen was born on December 7, 1922, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to William and Mabel Benfer Fritsch. Eileen's family moved from Clarno, Wisconsin, in 1933 to the farm of her grandfather, J.K. Benfer, near Winslow, Illinois. She was a graduate of Winslow Community High School, Brown's College of Commerce in Freeport and worked for several years at Economy Fire and Casualty Company. In the mid 1960's she served as secretary to Norman Yackle, Superintendent of Shannon Community Schools.

Eileen married Walter Kent on June 19, 1943, at the Winslow Methodist Church parsonage and together they farmed and raised their family in the Shannon area. Her husband passed away February 21, 1983. She was an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Shannon and was involved in United Methodist Women, Ruth Circle, and Bible Study groups.

She was a member of Cherry Grove Atoms Home Extension and Carroll County Home Extension for many years having served as President of both organizations. She supported her community as a member of the Shannon Woman's Club and was actively involved in her children's school and 4-H activities.

Survivors include her three children, James (Kristi) Kent of Fredericksburg, TX, Judith Kent Murphy of St. Joseph, MI, and Jan (Lynn) Cheeseman of Bloomington, IL; seven grandchildren, Jennie Kent ( Ken Dortzbach), Britt Kent (Bill Stengl), Darren Murphy, Derek (Jamie) Murphy, Brent Murphy (fiancé, Heidi), Krista Cheeseman (Brett) Rainwater, Kara Cheeseman (Shawn) Conley; 9 great grandchildren, Morgan, Kaleb, Alexandra, Mason, Addison, Nicholas, Caitlin, Maddox and Ellie Jo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Walter, and her brother, Kearney Fritsch.

The family wishes to honor FHN Hospice and the staff of Manor Court for their compassionate care and for making her last months comfortable and pain free.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 9, 2011, at Bethel United Methodist Church in Shannon, IL, with Pastor Steve Aram officiating.

Visitation will be from 5-8 PM on Friday, April 8, at the Hermann Funeral Home in Shannon. Burial will follow the service at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport.

A memorial fund has been established for FHN Hospice and Bethel United Methodist Church in her memory.