Mrs. Kerry Sue Witherell, Galesburg Chapel
48, 1259 Bridge Ave., Galesburg, died at 2:34 pm Saturday, November 24, 2007 at her home
She was born January 14, 1959 in Galesburg, IL the daughter of Dale and Margaret Schweigofer Lithander. She married Gregg S. Witherell on May 17, 1980. She is survived by her parents; her husband; two daughters, Kayla Witherell and Teale Witherell both of Galesburg; a son, Micah Witherell of Galesburg.
Also surviving are three brothers, Kim Lithander of Boise, ID, Kirk (and Paula) Lithander of Dayton, OH and Keith (and Julie) Lithander of Boise, ID; an aunt, Rita (and Clarence) Martell of Camarillo, CA; nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents.
Kerry graduated from Galesburg High School in 1977 and attended Carl Sandburg College.
In early years Kerry worked in the office at Gates Tire & Rubber, and was then employed for 24 years by Econo-Foods. She later worked as a retail merchandiser for Hallmark Cards.
Kerry was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church where she was part of a Small Group Bible Study, enjoyed activities with Prime Timers, and was a Sunday school helper. Kerry was known by all to be a hard worker and a great homemaker, and could always be counted on to volunteer for school and church projects. She enjoyed shopping and travel, and most important to her was the precious time she spent with her family and friends.
She was a loving wife and mother, passing on her Christian values to all who knew her. Kerry was loved by many, and will be remembered always.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Thursday, November 29, 2007 at the Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Lee Johnson and Rev. Kirk Kendall officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Burial will be at East Linwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to an education fund for the Witherell children.
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It has been a long time since we were all at Colonial together but we have lovely memories of the Witherell family. We are no longer in Galesburg so we are not able to attend the services but know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, May God give you comfort during this time.
Gregg, Kayla, Teale and Micah, Margaret, Dale and family,
As we have so often these past six months, we keep all of you in our prayers. Kerry was one of the most beautiful, faith-filled people I’ve ever known, and her devotion to her family was inspirational. I was always in awe at how the decisions she made were based on the impact on her family. You always came first! And, I have no doubt that was the right thing.
It was my privilege to spend so many years working with Kerry and watching God’s love and light shine through her. Looking back, I know I took for granted what a blessing it was to have her in my life for so long. I was so fortunate!
May God continue to surround you with strong friends and an even stronger faith. His love has been so visible in so many ways through all this. I know Kerry’s spirit will live on in all of you and her faith will continue to guide you. God bless you all.
Love, Ann and Ron
To Gregg, Kayla, Teale, and Micah,
Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Kerry loved you all so much , she will always be in your heart.
When I first heard Kerry had gone to be with the Lord, I was sad that we didn’t get the miracle we were praying for. But then I had to stop and think - I did get the miracle of knowing her for the last few years. She was such a blessing to me and I have learned so much from her friendship. She really was one of the kindest, gentlest, and most caring people I will ever meet. Her faith was so strong and so sure, she was an example to me, as you have been also, Gregg.
Words of comfort are difficult at this time, we will all miss her. Stay close to God and let HIM be your comforter.
With Love, Cathy
To Gregg, Kayla, Teale and Micah,
We have been praying for all of you these last few months as you have traveled this difficult road. We are happy that Kerry is now safe with the Lord, but we grieve with all of you who will continue in this life without her. Please know we will continue to pray for you, and Kerry must be so proud of each of you. We trust God will provide comfort and peace through your church family and your many friends. Let them take care of you - God’s blessings be upon your family.
Love,
The Lee family
Gregg, Kayla, Teale, and Micah,
It is difficult to find the words to say so I will ask that God put his loving arms around you and provide peace and comfort to all of you. You are in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you.
I’m very sorry for your families loss.
May god bless you all.
To the Witherell Family-
Where to even begin. My heart and soul go out to all of you. This is the worst time of year to lose someone who is closest to your heart. It the time of year for joy, peace, and to share love with one another. This too is a time of joy for Kerry as she enters the gates of Heaven. She will be with you always.
Teale- You are an amazing girl with a strong heart. I know your filled with the love of the Lord, and I hope you never lose that. I have prayed for you ever since April or May when Miss Shawn (Nelson) told me about your mom. I can’t even comprehend losing someone so dear. My prayers will continue to be with you and your family. Stay strong in your faith!
Hebrews 11:1 says: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
It is so hard to let someone you love go into the arms of someone you’ve never seen but believe she is in the hands of our Lord, in which she is no longer in pain, smiling, watching over all of you!
Signed with all of my love–
Cami Johnson
Sometimes it is dark underneath the wings of God, but just remember where you are.
Gregg, Kayla, Teale, and Micah,
Please know how sad I am for your loss. I have known Kerry since I was 14 yrs. old. I will miss her as I know you will as well. I can’t be there during this very sad time to be with you; but know that my thoughts are with you. I can say that Kerry was truly one of the very few people that I have known who was genuinely one of the best, sincere and most loving people around. She was one of the good ones! I loved her and will miss her. My thoughts and comfort are with you all. Love, Tracey
Gregg, Kayla, Teale, Micah,
I just heard the news from my mother-in-law this evening. I was shocked to hear the news. I have only seen Kerry on occassion when we came back into town for family events, but have always enjoyed her friendship. I pray that you will feel the presence of God at this time and always. I have been blessed to have known her. May His Peace forever comfort you during this time of loss. Janelle and Lydia remember her also and express their condolences as well.
May God Bless you always,
Johnny, Darice, Janelle, Lydia, and Jennifer Ennis
Mr and Mrs. Lithander,
I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. I always remember Kerry as a sweet and pretty girl and we had some fun times growing up on Blaine Ave. My prayers are with you all. God Bless
I am so sorry for loss. There are not words that express my thoughts. I fill privileged to have known Kerry. I know she is in no pain and no longer sick. May you feel God’s comfort and love during this difficult time.
We are so sorry for your loss and wish we could be there for you in your time of loss. Kerry was a wonderful and kind person and will be very missed by all who were touched by her.
Gregg, Kayla, Teale, Micah
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. At this time it is difficult but the Lord will carry you through. Remain faithful, that one day you will see her again in the glory of heaven.
Sincerely,
Dusty & Ashley
Teale,
Sorry for your loss. I can’t begin to imagine the pain you feel inside right now. You and your family are in my prayers. I know that a comment coming from a old friend only means so much, but know that god is with you. If you ever need anyone to talk to, I’m only a phone call away.
Sincerely,
Ethan
Gregg, Kayla, Teale, and Micah-
I am so sorry for your loss. Kerry brought joy to so many during her time on earth and is now celebrating in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with you always. Hang in there, no matter how difficult the times, God is always on your side.
In Christ,
Karyn