Laura M. Pope

Laura Pope, 86 of Chillicothe, formerly of Mapleton went to be with her Lord and Savior at 6:00 am Sunday, March 2, 2014 at Heritage Health (Manor) in Chillicothe. Laura Mae Young was born on June 9, 1927 in Lombard, Illinois to Oria Morris and Neosha Irene Young. She married Francis L. Sonnemaker on November 5, 1945 in Pekin, IL he died September 13, 1996.She married C. Lee Pope on May 29, 2004 in Mapleton, IL he died November 28, 2006 in Pekin. Laura is survived by one son, R. Steve Sonnemaker of West Peoria; two step daughters, Lynne (Neal) Johnson of Pekin, Donna (Tom) Milos of St. Louis, MO; one stepson Norman (Kathryn) Pope of Elsburry, MO; one sister, Doris (Claude) Coone of Metamora, IL; one brother, Donald (Darlene) Young of Abilene, TX; and five nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Robert Young. Laura was a homemaker, Sunday School Teacher at LaMarsh Baptist Church and worked as a beautician at her home. She also volunteered for over 30 years as the area field representative for Youth for Understanding, a foreign exchange student program.She served as a host mother to well over 25 foreign exchange students from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Holland, Spain, Yugoslavia, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay, Equator and Japan. Laura had a great and caring compassion for others and had become a mother figure to so many around the world. The family would like to thank the loving and caring staff at Heritage Health in Chillicothe for the excellent care they gave Laura. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am, Thursday, March 6, 2014 at LaMarsh Baptist Church in Mapleton. Visitation will be 9:00 am to 11:00 am prior to service at her church.Rev. Brian Rahn will officiate.Burial will be in Maple Ridge Cemetery.Henderson Funeral Home & Crematory 2131 Velde Dr., Pekin is assisting her family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to the LaMarsh Baptist Church, Hollis Park District or the charity of donor's choice. Cemetery Maple Ridge Cemetery 9507 W. Mapleridge Road Mapleton,IL 61547 Service Thursday, March 6, 2014 11:00 AM LaMarsh Baptist Church 9507 W. Mapleridge Rd. Mapleton,IL Visitation Thursday, March 6, 2014 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM LaMarsh Baptist Church 9507 W. Mapleridge Rd. Mapleton,IL