Mary Roost

Mary Louise Roost

"Mary Lou"

Age 83 and a life long resident of Gardner, passed away Friday June 25, 2010 at Heritage Manor in Dwight.

Born April 12, 1927 in Gardner, Mary Lou was a daughter of the late James Aldorf and Elizabeth Brushinghan Yatuni. She was a graduate of Gardner South Wilmington High School and worked as a self-employed beautician, and as a State Inspector for the State of Illinois until her retirement. Mary Lou was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Dwight, where she was involved with the Mary Martha Society, member of the American Legion #663 in Gardner, Royal Neighbors, where she served as past Oracle, served with the Grundy County Republican Women for 46 years, holding the positions of both Vice President and Secretary, was an officer of AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees) Sub-Chapter #73, member of the National Committee to Preserve Security and Medicare, served as a Girl Scout and 4H Leader, was a retired executive board member for the State Chapter #73 and belonged to the Red Hat Mama Society. In her free time Mary Lou was known for her love of shopping, reading, camping, traveling and eating out (especially at the Riviera). She truly enjoyed family gatherings and cherished the time spent with her kids, grandkids and great grandchildren.

Survivors include her children: Janice (Robert) Jirus of South Wilmington, Linda Crane of Pontiac and Peter (Bonnie) Nelson of Morrisonville, Wisconsin. Grandchildren: Monica (Rob) Hovanic of Joliet, Brian Jirus of South Wilmington, Melissa Crane of Pontiac, Kelley (Al) Johnston of Wilmington, Jay (fiancAC. Erica Armagast) Crane of Odell, Melinda (Tim) White of Rainsville, Alabama, Sandy Crane of Pontiac, Rick (Melody) Nelson, Robert (Mary Collins) Nelson, and Melissa Nelson, all of Wisconsin and Sheila (Geoffrey) Carlson and Michelle Dolan, both of Coal City. Great Grandchildren: Nicholas, Megan and Adam Eck, Allison Hovanic, Alyssa and Anthony Johnston, Dylan and Nicholas Crane, Elijah, Noah and Lucas White, Alonzo Crane, Savannah McGrane, Leslie Lee, Paige, Maiya and Justin Nelson and Maggie Dolan. Brother-in-law Ernie (Evelyn) Roost of Madison, Wisconsin and sister-in-law Frances Yatuni of Florida, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents; first husband LeRoy Tomastick on January 17, 1979, second husband Wayne Roost on August 19, 2004; grandsons: James Howard Crane in infancy and Steven Nelson; brothers: Raymond, James A. and Glenn Yatuni; nephew James A. Yatuni, III; step-daughter Margaret Dolan and step grandson James Dolan.

Visitation will be held on Monday June 28, 2010 between the hours of 3:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 203 Liberty Street in Downtown Gardner. Mary Lou will then lie in state Tuesday June 29th at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 325 E. Mazon Avenue (at Illinois Route 47) in Dwight, from 9:00AM until time of funeral service 10:00AM. Pastor Daniel Ognoskie will officiate and burial will follow in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Campus. Pallbearers will be: Bob Jirus, Peter Nelson, Brian Jirus, Jay Crane, Al Johnston and Michael Manno.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Mary Lou's memory to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, The Gardner Fire Department or the Gardner Beautification Committee.

Friends may sign the online guest book 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 Gardner. (815/237-2526)