Gwen Jolly passed away Sunday, November 27, 2011 at age 86 following a long, full Christian life well lived. Born May 9, 1925 in Fairbury to Frederick M. & Elva B. (Myer) Jacobs, Gwen grew up on the family farm in rural Chenoa where she worked from a young age. She attended Yates Center School. Upon graduation from Chenoa High School in 1943, she moved to Bloomington where she enjoyed living with some very dear friends. She worked at Westside Coal & Lumber and Great States Life Insurance Company. She met Russell E. Jolly and the two were wed on October 23, 1954.

Russ and Gwen raised four sons on the family farm – Fred, Jeff, Tim and Tom. Throughout the years Gwen was a loving wife & mother; always incredibly strong and determined. She and Russ loved to travel and gather with their family and friends.

Following Russ's passing in 1994, Gwen continued in the role of matriarch of the Jolly family with her positive spirit and wonderful sense of humor. She continued her love of travel and enjoyed trips to Chicago for shopping and theatre. She also enjoyed playing bridge with her friends.

Gwen was a lifetime member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir and served with the Ladies Aid group. Over the years she enjoyed volunteering at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Home and the Chenoa Historical Society, and participated with her grandchildren in the Watch Me Read program at the Chenoa Grade School.

Gwen is survived by her sister, Dorothy L. Streid (Chenoa); sons Frederick R. (Laura) of Chicago, Jeffrey E. (Debbie) of Normal, Timothy L. (Cheryl) of Lexington, and Thomas R. of Chicago; nine grandchildren: Stephanie, Kristen, Jacob, Robert, Kara, Christine, Claire, Jordan, and Andrew; two great-grandchildren: Lauren and Kaelin;; other family; and several close & dear friends. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband.

A celebration of Gwen's life will be held on Thursday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church – Chenoa from 4 to 8 p.m. A visitation will be held at the church at 10 a.m. on Friday, followed by a funeral services at 11 a.m. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

In Lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Chenoa Historical Society, Meadows Mennonite Retirement Home, or St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.

Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Sister, Aunt, Friend… your warm smile and unconditional love will be greatly missed.