Charli Bumbalough

Charlotte “Charli” Bumbalough, 16, of Marquette Heights, IL, passed away at 9:29 AM on Saturday, September 13, 2025, in Pekin, IL. Charli’s vibrant spirit and infectious joy touched the lives of everyone who knew her, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories.

Born on December 30, 2008, in Peoria, IL, to Anthony and Jessica (Vonderheide) Bumbalough, Charli was a radiant light in her family and community. She was preceded in death by her beloved great-grandfather, Donald Crafton.

Charli is survived by her devoted parents, Jessica (Casey Stephens) Bumbalough of Marquette Heights and Anthony (Candace) Bumbalough of Pekin; her six cherished siblings, Sully Bumbalough, Jase Bumbalough, and Hollis Bumbalough of Marquette Heights, Alexis (Tyler) Donald of North Pekin, Ashton Puckett of Stanford, IL, and Aeriston Puckett of Pekin; her loving maternal grandparents, Michelle (Scott Hoffman) Crafton of Marquette Heights and Marc and April Vonderheide of Delavan, IL; her paternal grandparents, Randy and Mary Bumbalough Sr. of Marquette Heights and Curtis and Nicole Baldwin of Plymouth, IL, and Patti McLaughlin of East Peoria; her maternal great-grandparents, Robert and Merla Vonderheide of Delavan, IL, and Janet Crafton of Osage Beach, MO; her aunts and uncles, Patrick (Angela) Bumbalough of Pekin, Randy (Trisha) Bumbalough Jr. of Idaville, IN, and Logan (Kate Sandrik) Vonderheide of Peoria, IL; and her loyal companion, her Golden Doodle, Banks, who was always by her side.

A junior at Pekin Community High School, Charli was a proud member of the freshman soccer team, where her enthusiasm and teamwork shone brightly. She was an active member of The Journey Church in East Peoria, where her faith and kindness inspired those around her. Charli’s passions were as vibrant as her personality—she loved capturing life’s beauty through photography, dancing to the rhythm of concerts, exploring the outdoors while picking wildflowers, and cherishing moments with her friends and family. Her adventurous spirit found joy in target shooting, and her heart was always drawn to the serene shores of the Lake of the Ozarks, where she spent unforgettable 4th of July celebrations with loved ones.

Funeral services to celebrate Charli’s life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory, with Pastor Brock Winkler officiating. A visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the funeral home, offering an opportunity for family and friends to share stories and honor Charli’s memory. Interment will follow at Meadow Lawn Cemetery in Manito, where she will rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to TAPS, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554, to support their mission of providing comfort and care to those in need, a cause close to Charli’s compassionate heart.

Charli’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew her, a forever reminder to live with joy, love deeply, and embrace every moment.