Joan France, 88, of Astoria died at 5:45 p.m. April 30, 2014, at Courtyard Estates in Bushnell.Joan France, 88, of Astoria died at 5:45 p.m. April 30, 2014, at Courtyard Estates in Bushnell.
She was born Dec. 14, 1925, in Astoria, a daughter of Sidney and Agnes Sicora Baldry. She married Willis Dee France on Oct. 21, 1950, in Genesco. He preceded her in death on Nov. 20, 2013.
She also was preceded in death by three sisters, June Miller, Elizabeth Crane and Sydney Lutz; one son-in-law, Larry Wherley; and one great-granddaughter, Rylie Wherley.
Surviving are two daughters, Patty Wherley of Astoria and Mary (and Aaron) Bowton of Canton; one son, Mike (and Pam) France of Table Grove; seven grandchildren; one step-grandson; and 14 great-grandchildren.
She received her masters degree in education from University of Illinois. She began her teaching career at Moline High School, teaching English and Spanish. She then taught Spanish at Astoria and Rushville schools, retiring in 1990.
She was a member of University of Illinois Alumni Association, Illinois Retired Teachers Association and Astoria United Methodist Church.
Services were held Saturday at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria with Pastor Steve Granadosin officiating. Burial was in Astoria Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to McDonough County Hospice or Astoria United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be sent to www.shawgomemorialhome.org.
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