Gwendolyn D. Boone

Gwendolyn Dale Boone, age 78, of Edgewood, Illinois completed her journey to Jesus at 5:36 a.m., Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at HSHS St Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Illinois.

Memorial service will be at 3:00 p.m. Friday, April 14, 2023 at Pagel Funeral Homes in Edgewood with a visitation from 1:00 p.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Puppy Jake Foundation. Online condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com

Gwen, the daughter of E. Dale and Lois (Byers) Harper, was born February 13, 1945 in Effingham, Illinois. She married Dwayne Boone on November 10, 1963 at the Edgewood Christian Church. They enjoyed almost 50 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on September 18, 2013.  Gwen graduated from Effingham High School in 1962. She worked at the First National Bank in Effingham for several years. After having children, she stayed home to raise them and work alongside Dwayne on their family farm. Later, Gwen returned to work at Rural Development/Farmer’s Home Administration. She retired in 2008 to care for her husband.  Gwen was a member of Ann Crooker St. Clair Chapter of National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution serving as the chaplain.  On behalf of the Chapter, she reached out to members in times of celebration, sickness, and grief.  Gwen made friends wherever she went and was never at a loss for words. She was known for her bright smile and easy laugh. Her positive attitude and heart of gratitude always looked for the silver lining and offered encouragement to those around her. She had a gift for lifting spirits and making others feel better.  She loved unconditionally and claimed many “bonus daughters” as all her daughters’ friends became members of her family. Upon becoming a grandma, she was often heard telling others that if she’d known how great grandkids were, she’d of had them first. Gwen was her grandsons’ biggest supporter, encourager, and cheerleader.  During Gwen’s battle with uterine cancer, she proved to be a Proverbs 31:25 woman. Every day she looked for and thanked God for the blessings in her life and continued to plant seeds for Jesus.  She spent hours embroidering quilts and dish towels making treasured keepsakes for her family.

Gwen is survived by her daughters, Kara King (David) of Imperial Beach, CA and Amy Tarr (Brad) of Newton; grandsons, Eddie King of Pueblo, CO, Devon King of Imperial Beach, CA, Mitchell Tarr of Shumway, and Nicholas Tarr (fiancé Ava Stanescu) of rural West Liberty. She is also survived by in-laws, Patricia Harper of Edgewood, Louise Boone of Edgewood, Jim & Lucille Koester of Teutopolis, Carolyn Maluchnik of Valdosta, GA, Linda & Dave Wheeler of Temecula, CA, Don Haarmann of Joliet and Ruth Ann & John Lloyd of Stillwater, OK, and 13 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother, Lindell Harper; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Glen & Clementine Boone;  in-laws, Reta Zumbahlen, Urban Boone, John Maluchnik, Avanell Haarmann; and niece Joan Fitzwilliam.    

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