Obituaries

Della Mae France

March 23rd, 1938 – September 22nd, 2021

Della Mae France, 83, of Havana, IL, passed away at 11:55 am on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Mason District Hospital in Havana. She was born on March 23, 1938 in Kilbourne, IL, the daughter of Walter and Verla (Smith) Craggs. Della married Kenneth France on June 2, 1956 in Havana, IL. He preceded her in death on January 3, 2014.

She is also preceded by her parents, parents who raised her, Emma and Dallas Craggs, 2 brothers, Bob Craggs and Harold Craggs, and son-in-law, Charles Lane.

Survivors include her daughter, Vickie (and Eric) Walston of Athens, IL, son, Jim (and Andrea) France of Astoria, IL, daughter, Peggy Lane of Bath, IL, daughter, Lori (and Randy) Hammond of Bath, 14 grandchildren, Eric Atchley, Gavin Atchley, Adam Walston, Stephanie (and Corey Taft) Walston, Chris Walston, David (and Amy) France, Joe (and Kayla) France, Ryan (and Chelcei) Butler, Zach (and Sarah) Butler, Emily (and Rowdy) Burke, Sarah Lane, Chad Hammond, Kolton (and Shelbi) Hammond, and Clinton Hammond, 14 great-grandchildren, Kortney, Arleigh, Mason, Gauge, Brooklyn, Knox, Jackson, Ellie, Justyne, Malachi, Latrell, Benton, Jameson, and Bonnie, and her sister, Dorothy Smith of Fort Myers, FL.

She was a homemaker and farm wife.

Della was a member of the Summum Christian Church where she taught Sunday school and served for several years. She was also a Kerton Township Election Judge at one point in time. Della loved gardening, fishing, camping, cooking for her family, studying her Bible and sharing her faith, crocheting, making afghans and canning. She also enjoyed writing and was even published in Reminisce Magazine.

Services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Pastor Steve Castaneda will be officiating. A visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana, IL. Memorials may be made to the Summum Christian Church Elevator Fund.

Condolences

September 23rd, 2021

Our sincerest condolences for your family’s loss.

September 23rd, 2021

Jim and Andrea, so sorry during this difficult time. I only met her once and she was a sweet lady and very lucky that the three of you had so much love for each other. Prayers and hugs to the family. Bob and Susie Bucher

September 23rd, 2021

Our condolences to all of the France Family

September 23rd, 2021

I have such fond memories of your mom from my years growing up at Anderson Lake and attending South Fulton school. I don’t think I ever saw Della without a big smile on her face and a kind word for everyone she met. Her obituary says she was a “homemaker and farm wife” but I know that she was also the glue who held her family together. My condolences to all of you.

September 23rd, 2021

So sorry to here Della passed, I have a lot of great memories of you kids and your mom and sending my love to you all Connie Ogden

September 23rd, 2021

Sorry she will be missed so minny people loved her she was a great lady I no me and Mel will miss her aloy

September 23rd, 2021

Vickie,Jim,Peggy, Lori, I have so many great memories of your family and spending time at your home. Your mom was the best! She will be missed. Love you all, Bettye Collins Short

September 23rd, 2021

So sorry for your loss. Nancy Carithers

September 24th, 2021

Prayers for you Andrea and Jim on the passing of your mother. Marilyn n Marvin Biesenthal

September 24th, 2021

So sorry to hear about your mom. She will live on in your hearts and memories. Love you all. Phyllis Collins Raker

September 24th, 2021

Della was truely a Christian
inspiration for all to follow.
She deeply loved her lord & relied upon his strength & Love!
He richly blessed her in return
for her deep dedication.
With Sympathy to all. Kay&Harley
Curless

September 24th, 2021

Jim & Andrea - she was a tower of faith, the true definition of strength. I know you and the whole family miss her unendingly. You are the legacy she left behind & it is a legacy to be proud of. She was proud of you.

September 24th, 2021

so sorry for your loss. sending prayers

September 24th, 2021

prayers and hugs to all

September 24th, 2021

Big Big Hugs To All!!!! My Deepest Sympathy. Debbie Richardson

September 24th, 2021

We are so sorry for the loss of your dear Mom. We are lifting you in prayers. With sympathy, Kathy and Rick Heller

September 24th, 2021

So sorry for your family's loss. Blessings. Jim and Deb Park

September 24th, 2021

So sorry for all your loss. She was a wonderful neighbor and awesome lady sandy selby

September 24th, 2021

Della was a sweetheart, she will be missed. The Pierce's

September 25th, 2021

We are sorry for your loss. Bob and Melba Baker

September 26th, 2021

So sorry for your kids. Larry and Rosemary Mason

September 26th, 2021

So sorry for your loss, Larry and Rosemary Mason

September 26th, 2021

Jim and Andrea, so sorry for your loss. Tommy and Pam Trone

September 27th, 2021

So, so sorry for your loss. The family in in our thoughts and prayers. Mike and Donna Shirley