Lillian Flynn, 96, of Kankakee, (formerly of Herscher), passed away peacefully into God’s outstretched arms on March 17, 2023, at St Mary’s Hospital following a short illness. Born March 21, 1926, she was the daughter of LeRoy Russell and Rev. Agnes Russell. She was united in marriage to Robert Flynn on August 15, 1945, in Rock Falls. He preceded her in death on March 21, 2017.
As newlyweds, her husband of two days began his service in the Army, and she worked at Borden Milk Products Company in Rock Falls. At the end of the war when Robert returned home to his bride, they began farming near Coleta, and their family grew by bringing into this union eight children – two daughters and six sons. Later, they relocated to Mt. Morris to continue farming. After that they relocated to Herscher, where she had various jobs, retiring from Kankakee Federal Savings Bank in Herscher and the Herscher Post Office.
If you knew Lillian, you knew how she enjoyed her ceramic painting, crocheting hats by looming, and sewing. She did this in her later years for her grandchildren, to put smiles on their faces. Lillian later used her creative talent in coloring by coloring pages of Bible scriptures to give words of encouragement to others.
Lillian was a committed Christian servant, who served in several local churches as a Sunday School teacher, leader in women’s groups, and many Bible Study groups. Lillian went with her husband on several church mission trips to Mexico. She was proud of the family that she and her loving husband were blessed to raise. Lillian was a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ and prayer warrior for others, especially her family.
Lillian is survived by sons, James Flynn of Fairfield, Iowa, Ken (Lisa) Flynn of Mulberry, Florida, Rich (Mindy) Flynn of Herscher, and Doug (Lin) Flynn of Springfield, Missouri; daughters, Barb (Bob) Johnson of Machesney Park, and Deb Whittington of Kankakee; two daughters-in-law, Pat Flynn and Kathleen Flynn; 20 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 15 great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Dorothy Russell; and many nieces and nephews.
Lillian was preceded in death by her husband; sons, Tom Flynn and Cal Flynn; great-granddaughter, Lydia Wallender; her parents; sisters, Madolyn Wright and Florence Ehrat; and brothers Richard Russell and Robert Russell.
Funeral services were held on March 27, at Herscher United Methodist Church, with Rev. Kevin Boesen officiating, along with Pastor Andy Hansen. Burial followed at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood.
Memorials may be made to Herscher United Methodist Church.