Lauren Elder

Lauren Mallory Elder

Age 28 of Morris, Illinois passed away tragically Saturday July 13, 2013 in Morris as the result of an automobile accident in which she was a passenger.

Born August 15, 1984 in Mattoon, Illinois, Lauren is the beloved daughter of Dr. Joseph Ben and Susan Reider-Mallory of Morris. Lauren attended Albemarle Middle School and High School in North Carolina, as well as Saint Mary's School in Raleigh. It was there that she became active in sports and participated in soccer, swimming and track. After moving to Morris, Lauren then graduated from Morris Community High School with the Class of 2002. She continued her education at Lincoln College in Lincoln, Illinois, where she played soccer, and later Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois. It was while attending Parkland, Lauren met Jason Elder, whom she later married on April 21, 2007 in the First Presbyterian Church in Morris.

Lauren was a loving and compassionate person who exuded endless energy. She will be remembered for the unique relationship that she had with her much loved daughter. Raegen was the true love of Lauren's life and together they made each other stronger. Lauren was a devoted and loving mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter and friend. She was passionate about animals and had tremendous sense of caring, which was not only expressed toward the animals she loved, but especially to her family and friends. Lauren had the unique ability to make a new friend almost immediately feel close to her. She was one that always had an ear to listen and could be confided in. Whereas Lauren was extremely compassionate, she was enthusiastic about life and would help anyone in need. She will be loved and missed forever.

Survivors include her parents: Dr. Joseph Ben and Susan Mallory; cherished daughter Raegen Ann Elder; Raegen's father Jason Elder of Washington, DC; two brothers: Joseph (Brittany) Mallory of Peoria and Ross Mallory of Mexico, Missouri; two sisters: Sarah Mallory of Chicago and Kate Mallory of Morris; her maternal grandparents: Bob and Joan Reider of Peoria; aunts and uncles: Karen (Pat) Brown of Annapolis, Maryland, Wendy Sawyer of New Orleans, Louisiana, Bob Reider of Springfield, Illinois, Christine (Rockton) Hitt of St. Charles, Illinois and Carol (Chris) Benson of Palatine, Illinois and cousins: Angela Reider-Caputo, Andrew Stone, Joe Stone, Kristen Livoti, Jon Gutierrez, Michael (Laura) Benson, Julie (Jim) Thomson, Jennifer Benson, Lisa Benson, Lindsey Hitt and Trevor Hitt, as well as many friends.

Lauren was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents: Dr. Joseph R. and Dorothy Mallory.

Visitation and video tribute will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 200 East Jackson Street (at Illinois Route 47) in Morris on Thursday July 18, 2013 from 4:00PM until time of funeral service 7:00PM. Reverend Dr. Roy Backus will officiate. A family burial will follow on Friday in Dodge Grove Cemetery in Mattoon, Illinois, where Lauren will be laid to rest with her grandparents.

Pallbearers will be: Chris Benson, Michael Benson, Rockton Hitt, David Balfrey, Ryan Hall and Jim Thomson.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts Lauren's memory to: We Care of Grundy County, 520 West Illinois Avenue, Morris, Illinois 60450.

Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris. (815/942-2500)