Anna Jean Molen, 91, of Raymond, died the evening of Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield.
Funeral services for Mrs. Molen will be held at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Raymond Baptist Church. Pastor Ron Butler will officiate. Burial will be in Union Chapel Cemetery in Girard Township. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
Mrs. Molen was born on June 25, 1934, in rural Menard County, a daughter of Coyd Beckham and Angie (Beatty) Lynch. She graduated as co-valedictorian from Raymond High School with the class of 1952. She and Charles Leroy Molen were married on Jan. 23, 1954, at New Hope Baptist Church near Barnett, and they enjoyed nearly 72 years of marriage.
Mrs. Molen was employed by the Panhandle School District #2 from 1972 until 1996 as a secretary at Raymond Grade School and Raymond Junior High School. She was a faithful and active member of Raymond Baptist Church, taking pride and reverence in the baking of communion bread and was also the church clerk.
Mrs. Molen was an avid reader and loved to do jigsaw puzzles. She was an excellent cook, known for her blackberry jam, Texas potatoes, vegetable soup, chili and cobblers. Spending time with her family brought her joy, particularly when they were camping, skiing and boating. She loved to travel, and was proud of the fact that she had traveled to all 50 states and Washington D.C.
Mrs. Molen is survived by her husband, Leroy Molen of Raymond; one son, William T. (Sherri) Molen of Elkhart, IN, and two daughters, Sherry (David) Rovey of Raymond and Linda (Robert) Arredondo of Newbury Park, CA; nine grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Molen was preceded in death by her parents, Beckham and Angie Lynch; and siblings, Coyd Lynch, Melvin Lynch and Marie (Lynch) Theobald.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Raymond Baptist Church, 511 E. Broad St., Raymond, IL 62560. Hough-Dean Funeral Home is assisting the Molen family. To leave an online condolence or to order flowers, please visit www.houghdeanfh.com.
