Della L. Eickelmann, 90 of Christopher IL , passed away peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones on Saturday November 26, 2016. Della was born April 10, 1926 to John and Millie (Pyles) Martin on Karber’s Ridge in Gallatin County Illinois. Della’s youth was spent on High Knob attending a one room school house with her 10 brothers and sisters.
On January 1, 1944 she married Cecil Cole Eickelmann of Buckner who preceded her in death. They had three children, Gary Cole, Raymond Dale and Gaila Marie. They shared a happy life together and enjoyed square dancing, gardening, fishing, spending time with loved ones. Della worked as a cook at Christopher, Herrin, and Benton hospitals and as a seamstress for many years. She enjoyed playing pinochle with the same group of ladies for 54 years. Della loved cooking, canning, crocheting and quilting.
She is survived by her children Raymond Eickelmann of Valier and Gaila Carpenter of Buckner; Grandchildren: Theresa Eickelmann of Centralia, John Eickelmann of Valier, Nicole Pace of Union KY and Mackenzie Stephenson of Marion; Great Grandchildren: Drew, Samantha, Ginger, Jacob, Makaylah, Shelby, Riley and Anne-Marie. Brother William Floyd Martin of Marion, and sister Mary Barker of Jamestown, Tennesee, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Preceding Della in death are her parents, husband Cecil, sons Cecil Cole and Gary Cole. Grandson Richard Eickelmann and siblings Frank Martin, Annabelle Carnahan, Lawrence Martin, Phoebe Davis, A.B . “Pepper” Martin, John Martin, Rosetta Colbert and Treva Chisler.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday November 30, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Burial will be in Harrison Cemetery in Buckner. Visitation will be on Tuesday November 29, 2016 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or March of Dimes and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information go tour website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com