Ina Laverne Bridges, 82, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 10:24 am, Monday, March 27, 2023 at her residence.
She was born to the late Grover Lemoin and Ina Laverne (nee Gruber) King on November 28, 1940 in DuQuoin, Illinois.
Ina married Carroll Ray “Rocky” Bridges on September 3, 1960 in Dowell, Illinois; he preceded her in death on October 23, 2014.
Ina was a beloved wife and grandmother. She adored her grandkids and great grandkids and loved being involved in their activities. She was a sports enthusiast, especially basketball, baseball, volleyball, and softball. She regularly followed the Chester Yellowjacket basketball and baseball teams enthusiastically following her grandsons. She was a staple at her granddaughter’s Murphysboro High School volleyball and softball games and traveled all over the country watching Southern Express and Murray State University softball games. She also enjoyed following the Memphis Tigers basketball team with her brother Wayne and could always tell you what was going on with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Ina enjoyed traveling with her husband Rocky who was a full-time charter bus driver for Eggemeyer Bus Service. In her earlier years she was an avid walker, and she could be seen walking to work and around town. She looked forward for many years to going to Louisville Kentucky to the gospel convention. Her favorite artists were Ivan Parker and the Gaither Vocal Band. Most of all, her favorite thing to do was eat. You name it, she liked it. Give her a bowl of vanilla ice cream and all was good.
Ina worked outside the home in the banking industry to help support her family. She retired from the Chester National Bank after 41 years of service where she worked in many capacities and was a fixture at the bank for many in the community. She retired in August 2009.
Ina was of the Baptist faith and taught Sunday School for many years. She raised two children in a loving and Christian home. She believed in the Bible and the importance of a church home. Nothing was more important to her than her family.
Ina had an infectious smile always followed by a laugh. Those that came in contact with her loved and adored her. She will be missed in the Chester community and most of all by her family who loved her very much.
Survivors:
2 Children:
Scott (Julie) Bridges, Piperton, TN
Lee Ann (Bill) Spiller, Willisville, IL
1 Brother:
Wayne (Ruth) King, South Haven, MS
6 Grandchildren:
Candice Kennedy, Leslie (Clay) Fuson, Christopher Schwartz, Jason Schwartz, Westley Spiller (Crystal) and William Andrew (Natalie) Spiller
7 Great Grandchildren:
Cohen, Kye, Amelia, Ruby, Chalee, Roman, Remi and another due in June 2023
Preceded in Death by: Parents and her husband
Memorial Service:
11:00 am, Saturday, April 1, 2023
Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois
Private Inurnment:
Sunset Memorial Park
DuQuoin, Illinois
Visitation:
Saturday – 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois
Memorials:
Wounded Warriors Project
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