Edna Hemken, 79, of Vandalia, died on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 1, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Sorento, 201 S. Main St. Funeral services will follow, beginning at 12 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Rudy Elam officiating. Per her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded following the services.
Mrs. Hemken was born July 22, 1943, in Newark, OH, to Charlie Marshall and Ethel Mae (Tippett) Lorance, Sr. She married Willard L. Hemken on Dec. 28, 1990, in Vandalia, and he survives. They were married for 32 years.
She worked as a CNA in Joliet and also at the Lutheran Care Center in Altamont.
Flowers, hummingbirds and dogs, especially schnauzers, were some of the things Mrs. Hemken was entertained by and took delight in watching.
She was a fine, lovable lady who never said a cross word or anything inappropriate about or to anyone. She was not quick tempered or loose tongued. She tried to be kind to everyone and respectful to all. She was the ideal to strive for and an example to which the bar was set high. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Hemken is survived by her sons, Brian Hemken of Vandalia and Scott Hemken of Witt; siblings, Charlie (Rose) Lorance, Jr. of Jamestown, TN, and Patricia Moore of Ramer, TN; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Second Chance Rescue, 1332 N. 1150 St., Vandalia, IL 62471, as animals, especially dogs, were very dear to Mrs. Hemken.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com.
