Velma J. Gilroy

Velma J. Ragain Gilroy, 78, of Pekin died at 4:40 pm Tuesday, February 16, 2010 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. Velma was born on November 15, 1931 in Pekin, IL to Wayne and Emma (Vogel) Courtright. She married John W. 'Bill' Gilroy Sr. on January 28, 1994 in Pekin. Preceding in death are her parents and one step daughter, Patricia. Surviving are: her husband, John W. 'Bill' Gilroy Sr.; one sons, Gerald (Barbara) Ragain of Pekin; three daughters, Janice (Richard) Wurster of Corpus Christie, TX, Debra (Rick) Dissman of Pekin and Donna (John Gregory) Zimmerman of Pekin; two step sons, John (Andrea) Gilroy Jr. and Russell Gilroy both of Pekin; two step daughters, Linda West and Peggy (Kevin) McCoole both of Pekin; nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, thirteen step grandchildren, seventeen step great grandchildren and two step great great grandchildren; three brothers, Leroy 'Sonny' (Doris) Courtright, Delbert (Pat) Courtright of Green Valley, IL and Paul (Marsha) Courtright of Washington, IL. Velma worked at Mr. K's grocery store retiring after 21 years of service. Her family was the most important part of her life. She enjoyed gardening, baking and sewing. She was of the Lutheran faith.