A funeral will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025 for 84-year-old Cynthia L. Lawder of Chester, Illinois, who passed away at 11:35 a.m., Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, Illinois.
She was born February 25, 1941 in Murphysboro, Ill. to William “Jim” Phelps and Marjorie (nee Dial) Crawford, who both preceded her in death.
Cynthia married Shelby Lawder on June 6, 1980 in Chester, Illinois; he preceded her in death on January 20, 2013.
She is survived by two children: Stephanie Koontz of Charlotte, N.C. and Phil (Renee) Ernst of Austin, Tex.; a step daughter: Holly (Fred) Lawder-Chen of Scottsdale, Ariz.; six grandchildren: McKenzie (Brian) Davis, Ashley (Monica) Ernst, Shelby (Wes) Vance, Amanda Ernst (Blake Moss), Chase Ernst and Abby Chen; and two great grandchildren: Cameron, Brooks and Cooper.
She was also preceded in death by a sister: Carole Crawford.
She was owner/partner of Southern Illinois Sand Company.
Cynthia was a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Chester.
She was very involved in the community and was a member of the Randolph County Historical Society, Chester Rotary, Chester High School Class of 1959 Reunion Committee, Chester Beautification Committee and the Chester Women’s Club.
Cynthia was also a life member and the current treasurer of Alpha Upsilon Master, Beta Sigma Phi and served on the board of the Chester Country Club.
Visitation will be 9-11 a.m. Saturday at First Presbyterian Church, Chester, Illinois.
A funeral for 84-year-old Cynthia L. Lawder of Chester, Illinois will be held at11 a.m. Saturday, May 24, 2025 at First Presbyterian Church, Chester, Illinois. The Rev. Sam Roethemeyer will officiate.
Interment will be in the Ebenezer Cemetery, Rockwood, Illinois.
Memorials may be made to the Ebenezer Memorial Cemetery.