Eloise Alma McGuire

Eloise Alma McGuire, age 86, of Altamont, Illinois, formerly of Edgewood, Illinois, passed away Friday, October 23, 2026, at St. Anthony Hospital, Effingham, Illinois surrounded by her loving family.

Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Immanual Lutheran Church, Altamont, Illinois. Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. to start of funeral service. Burial will take place in Immanual Lutheran Cemetery, Altamont, Illinois. Pastor Scott Niermann will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lutheran Care Center or Donor’s choice. Online condolences may be left at www.pagelfuneralhome.com

Eloise was born on March 1, 1940, in Effingham, Illinois, the daughter of Paul Bandelow and Alma (Voelker) Bandelow. She married Calvin McGuire on June 25, 1960, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Altamont, Illinois. She was a lifelong member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, and a devout Lutheran, living her life as a testament of her love of God. She was confirmed April 11, 1954. She was a member of the Choir and loved participating in the Christmas cantatas. She served on the Ladies’ Aid, PTL, a Braille Worker, and a Large Print Worker at the church. She was a member of the West Center Home Extension, Farm Service Agency, and an election judge.

Eloise was very proud of her yard, and her garden, and she spent many hours canning her bountiful harvests. It is said that her tomato juice was like liquid gold. Her pie crust was awarded Best of Show at the Effingham County Fair, and that was just one of the many culinary masterpieces that her family will miss. She loved attending the Effingham County Fair, watching the horse races and volunteering in the exhibition hall. She sewed many patches on jeans and made cheerleading uniforms for her daughters.

She is survived by her two sons, Michael (wife, Kathy) McGuire of Edgewood, Illinois, Jeff McGuire of Franklin, Tennessee; two daughters, Sally (husband, Jeff) Mayhaus of Edgewood, Illinois, Sarah (husband, Joe) Jahraus of Effingham, Illinois; grandchildren, Ben McGuire, Laura McGuire, Allison (husband, Andy) Meyer, Jacob (wife, Nicole) Jahraus, Derek Jahraus, Ryan (wife, Lauren) Mayhaus, Adam (wife, Danielle) Mayhaus, and Leah Mayhaus; great-grandchildren, Jax, Remi, Jade, Gwen, Mila, Cal, Chloe, and Adaline; sister-in-law, Judy McGuire, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded by her parents, Paul and Alma, her husband, Calvin; brothers, Marvin and Ralph; brother-in-law, Howard “Pete” McGuire, and sister-in-law Nola Lee Brown.