Illinois Great Rivers Conference 2025 Journal-Yearbook
Mary Lou Shaw Hackl 1934-2025 Mary Lou Shaw Hackl, 91, widow of the Rev. Robert C. Hackl, Jr., died April 7, 2025. A woman of strength, wit, deep faith, and tireless service, Mary Lou was born Feb. 6, 1934 in Griffen, Ill., a daughter of Erlo E. and Bertha L. Shaw. She married Robert C. Hackl, Jr., in 1955. He died Nov. 13, 2020.
Together in ministry, the Hackls served the following pastorates: Prairie Chapel, Elliott- Roberts UCC (Yoked); Argenta-Shiloh Chapel; Potomac-Pleasant Grove-Gifford; North East Parish; Bismarck-Henning; Ridge Farm and Ridge Farm-Georgetown. She served as his church secretary, his partner in life and service. A passionate advocate for women’s rights, Mary volunteered at several women’s shelters, she served on the board of Crisis Nursery, The Women’s Shelter, National Organization of Women, Cunningham Children’s Home, United Methodist Women / Women of Faith, she was named Woman of The Year for the United Methodist Women. She volunteered for many organizations throughout her life. She was always giving, always busy, always doing something for someone else. Mary is survived by three daughters who carry forward her legacy of service: Belinda (Bruce) Millis, Myra Gillespie, and Melissa (John) Tate; Her grandchildren—Adam (Jenny) Millis, Andy (Whitney) Millis, Austin Millis, Michael (Nicky) Smith, Liz Smith, Alec (Kenzie) Gillespie, Ben (Nikki) Tate, and Sara (James) Dickson—knew her as a source of wisdom and support. Mary was also blessed with great-grandchildren: Nikki Jones, Piper Wolf , Jeremiah, Aubrey, and Kennedy Millis, Maddox Holstine, Nicholas Smith, George Gillespie, and Luca and Max Tate; her brothers, Bill Shaw and John (Mary) Shaw; and her treasured sister and lifelong “partner in crime,” Lois Johnson. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rev. Robert Hackl, her parents; her brothers Dallas (Kay), Robert (Pauline), and Don (Verna); her sister-in-law, Ruth Shaw; brother-in-law Leonard Shaw; and her grandson, William Tate. Mary was strong, clever, practical, and deeply rooted in her faith. She was a woman who believed in doing good, staying busy, and always asking questions. She demonstrated her love for people and for life in her service to others. Her legacy lives on in every child she raised, every cloth she sewed, every tea ring she baked, every life she touched. Funeral services for Mary Lou Shaw Hackl were held April 11, 2025 at Morgan Funeral Home in Savoy. Private graveside services followed.
Elva Darlene Harper 1927-2025 Elva Darlene Harper, 97, widow of the Rev. Charles H. Harper, died April 14, 2025. Elva was born Oct. 5, 1927 in Rosefield Township, Peoria County, Ill., the daughter of Clyde and Zella McAlister Schoaff. She married the Rev. Charles H. Harper Aug. 22, 1948 in Clasford. He died July 7, 1998.
Elva’s educational achievement potential was evident from an early age as she attended the eight grade schools in the neighborhoods in which she lived. For Timber Township High
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