Connie J Tipsword

It is with profound sadness and much love that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Connie Tipsword on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the age of 88. Connie originally of Mason, Illinois, currently of Effingham, Illinois, passed away in her home surrounded by family.

Graveside service will be held at 12:15 PM on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Mason Cemetery. Visitation will be held on June 5, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Pagel Funeral Home, Edgewood, Illinois. Pastor Matthew Scandrett will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the family to help offset the funeral costs or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com.

Connie was born on October 7, 1937, in Effingham County, the daughter of John W. Yingst and Mary E. (Shup) Yingst. She married her husband, Wayne Tipsword, on October 30, 1954. If life was a recipe, Connie always knew the perfect measurements. She poured boundless love into her family, sprinkled joy into every gathering, and kneaded warmth and comfort into all of our lives. Just like her famous peach pie, and homemade noodles, she was sweet, reliable, and left a lasting taste of home. She spent her life stitching together a beautiful legacy of love, patience, and devotion. Just as she carefully crafted quilts thread by thread, she skillfully wove our family together with her endless encouragement and gentle wisdom. Every life she touched is warmer and richer because of her.

To know Connie was to feel entirely embraced by her love. She had a rare gift for making everyone around her feel seen, valued, and cherished. Whether she was comforting us with her cooking, creating something beautiful with her hands, or simply offering a warm hug, her heart was a sanctuary for our entire family. She was and will always be our home. Our fondest moments will always be of her teaching us how to roll out dough, the steady hum of her sewing machine in the afternoon, and the unconditional love she gave us so freely.

Connie is survived by her son, Rick (wife, Faith) Tipsword of Moweaqua, Illinois; daughters, Tonya (husband, Ed) Hoene of Neoga, Illinois, Glenda Tipsword of Mason, Illinois, Nellie (significant other, Raymond Pontious) Bergfeld of Altamont, Illinois, Carla Holste of Mattoon, Illinois, and Amy Jo (husband, Wayne) Ruholl of Dieterich, Illinois; sisters, Gladys Austin of Edgewood, Illinois, Elaine (husband, Ivan) Karnes of St. Elmo, Illinois; sister-in-law Lydia Yingst of Oreana, Illinois; son-in-law Norbert Santana of Bryan, Texas; 19 Grandchildren, 38 Great grandchildren,17 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wayne Tipsword; daughter, Sharon Santana; brothers, Bill Yingst, Lewis Yingst, John Yingst, Jr., and Robert Yingst; sisters, Elsie Robinson, Florence Coble, Ethel Simmons, Judy Long, Roberta Horath, Rosemary Higgs, Delores Lilly, Mable Fancher, and Carolyne Lawhorn; her grandchildren; Shane, great-grandchildren Caroline and Cory; and son-in-law, Ron Holste

The family wishes to extend their special thanks to the nurses and social workers of HSHS hospice, for their compassionate care during her final days. Connie’s warmth, her sweet recipes, her love, and her beautiful spirit remain in our hearts forever.