Jimmie Lou Elyea (Farel), 72

Jimmie Lou Elyea (Farel), 72, started her journey with the lord on Dec.15, 2018, around 11 a.m. surrounded by family. Jimmie was born in Bakersfield, Mo., on March 25, 1946, to Faye Holstine (Farel).
She married Darrel “Butch” Elyea, the love of her life, on Sept. 11, 1971, in Woodstock, Ill. Together they were blessed with one daughter, Heather Arenas (m. Pedro), who gave her two granddaughters, Rikki and Randi, and one great-granddaughter, Mila. Their son, Timothy Elyea, gave them four granddaughters, Morgan, Macey, Taylor and Toni, and two great-grandchildren, Gavin and Avery.
Jimmie is survived by her loving husband and their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as her siblings, James “Buck” Hayes, Gene (m. Connie) Farel, Jack Lawing, Wanda Dixon, and Gary (m. Brenda) Johnston.
She will be welcomed in heaven by her mother, Faye Holstine (Farel), and siblings, Joe Ray, Rosalie, Joann Scott, and Marlyn Edwards.
Jimmie’s time was best spent garage sale-ing with her sisters and Fay, gardening, fishing and solving word searches. She loved feeding the hummingbirds and deer that found their way to her. Her kindness and lighthearted humor will be remembered most. Her giving spirit and wise words are part of what made her such a remarkable woman to family and friends.
Known by many as Jimmie, Jimmie Lou, “Jimmalou,” Lou Lou Bell, and the best names of all, Dear, Mom and Nana. A loving and loved woman, who touched everyone who knew her. Nothing meant more to her than her family and loved ones. Described by the man who knew her best, her husband, as the most perfect woman he had ever met.
Thank you for joining us in celebrating the life of Jimmie Lou Elyea and to think back on the lifetime of memories she gifted to us all.
Memorial to be held Jan. 13, 2019, from 2-4 p.m. at the American Legion Post #1207, 1011 S Alpine Road, Rockford, Ill.