Sheila Coker

Sheila Rae Coker, 74 of Havana, died on Sunday, July 2, 2023 at Mason District Hospital surrounded by family.

She was born October 20, 1948, in Canton, the daughter of John and Mary Balbinot Maynard. She married Robert "Bob" Coker on July 2, 1981 in Lewistown and he survives in Havana.

She is also survived by seven children Melissa "Missy' Gauf of Pekin, Tammi (deceased husband Harry) Ellison of Pekin, Terri (husband Mark) Van Tine of Springfield, Brandee Stacy of Peoria, Michelle (husband Rob) Simmons of Canton, Jason (wife Michelle) Coker of Canton, and Candy (husband Ashley) Hill of Texas; 18 grandchildren Robert Maloney, Alison Maloney, Madison Bayles, Andrew (wife Danni) Bollinger, Stefanie (companion Dan Haradon) Bollinger, Dustin (wife Jamie) Van Tine, Taylor Van Tine, Hope, Faith, Gabby, and AJ (companion Marissa Barrington) Stacy,Vanessa, Brayden and Whitney Coker, Aden and Owen Simmons, and Kate and Austin Hill; 10 great grandchildren Lucas, Hailie, Frankie, Madaline, Jordan, Ethan, Annabelle, Colton, Valerie and Willow; one brother John Maynard of Missouri; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Sheila graduated from Valley High School in Fairview in the class of 1966. While raising her family, she worked at the Country Club and Hyvee both in Canton. Sheila had a passion for people. Her Italian heritage along with a fondness for cooking produced many wonderful meals from her kitchen. She loved to host and entertain friends and family. She enjoyed basking in the sun whether it was poolside or on the lake of the Ozarks. Sheila was known for her bold personality and being a straight shooter. She and Bob were soulmates and saved each other from this crazy world. Together they built a lifetime of memories that no one can replace. Sheila's faith was an important part of her life that walked her through many battles. Her contagious voice will always be heard through each nickname and story shared.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 AM Saturday, July 8, 2023 at Havana City Center in Havana located at 326 West Market Street Havana, IL 62644. There will not be a visitation or burial. There will be a time for sharing memories at the celebration and the family has suggested to dress casually. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements. 

Memorials have been suggested to the family of Sheila Coker. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.