Elizabeth Magdalena (Craig) Wells-Heidecker

Elizabeth Magdalena (Craig) Wells-Heidecker, 97, of Marshall, IL, passed away December 20, 2020, at Willowbrook Memory Care in Marshall. She was born November 23, 1923, at home, York Township, Clark County, the daughter of Harry Milton Craig & Bertha (Manhart) Craig, both of whom preceded her in death. She married Joseph Emmitt Wells on October 27, 1945, and he preceded her in death on May 3, 1989. She then married James L. Heidecker, Sr. on August 1, 1992 and he preceded her in death on June 22, 2008. The last surviving original member of the 1950 American Legion Post #90 award-winning Auxiliary Choir, Libby was a beautiful-voiced alto who traveled and entertained the community and the country for many years with the Choir. She was so excited about the Choir’s recognition with the mural painting by the Wall Dogs in 2017, and to watch some of her great-grandkids help add brush marks to her portrait in the painting. Elizabeth’s earliest memories were falling asleep as her mother played the piano. A love and appreciation of music was stressed in their household and Libby and all of her siblings played musical instruments. She began playing piano at an early age with earliest public performances at bible school growing up. Libby graduated from Hutsonville High School in 1941. She went to Eastern Illinois State College in Charleston and studied a Music major and English minor. Her older sister was already there pursuing a Music degree. Libby was extremely active in many musical activities at Eastern. She served as president of the college band and vice president of the Cecilian Singers. She was a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. Always a beautiful lady, as the runner-up to the queen, she was senior class Homecoming Representative in 1944. A most cherished memory from Eastern Illinois was singing in a trio, Pinups in Pinafores, that traveled around the Midwest from 1942-1944 entertaining soldiers during World War II. It is of note that the same three ladies had a reunion 70 years later in Champaign, Illinois in 2013. Libby was a member of Eastern Star since 1945 and recognized as a fifty-year member. Libby taught one year in Palestine, Illinois, but was well known in Marshall, Illinois, as the elementary music teacher and piano teacher for hundreds of kids for nearly forty years. In the early years, she traveled to three country schools, including Pleasant Hill and Clarksville, in the afternoons to spread the music. Highlights were annual music pageants put on by the elementary kids. Following retirement, Libby continued to give piano lessons until she and Joe started traveling to Naples, Florida every year with others from the Marshall community. While spending time in Florida, she remained active in the retirement center’s chorus and spent five years playing piano for a dance band, and church services. After Joe passed in 1989, she was blessed to be introduced while in Naples to a widower, James Heidecker, from Allentown, Pennsylvania. Jim shared her love for music and dance. They were married in 1992 and shared 12 years together until his passing. She loved music her entire life and dancing was not far behind. Even the past few years at Willowbrook, she would be playing the piano and keyboard while singing softly. She loved when she had the opportunity to enjoy the musical talents that her grandkids and great grandkids inherited. She was preceded in death by siblings, Helen Lucille (Mrs. Paul Crumrin), Beatrice Lorraine (passed at age 16), Stanley Russel Craig, Emma Jane (Mrs. Charles E. Lindley), and Harry Craig, Junior. She is survived by Mrs. Harry Craig, Junior (JoAnn Moorhead) of Columbus, Ohio. She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Dr. Larry Joe and Linda Sue Wells, of Augusta, GA, and Tad Orin and Dr. Lori Jane Wells of Zionsville, Indiana; five grandchildren, Stefani Elizabeth (John Thomas IV) Raborn of Zionsville, Indiana, Dr. Bryan Joseph (Dr. Jill Razor) Wells of Atlanta, Georgia, Brie Anne (Thomas Morgan) Tucker, Augusta, Georgia, Joseph Michael (Caylie Rentsch) Wells, and Lindsey Faye Wells of Indianapolis, Indiana; and seven great-grandchildren, John Thomas Raborn V, Elizabeth Grace Raborn, Avery Emma Wells, Taylor Anne Wells, Jackson Walter Wells, Thomas Wells Tucker, and Mason Chase Tucker. She is also survived by three step-children, James Heidecker, Junior (Regina) of Allentown, PA, Jane H. (Mrs. William Barthold) of Nazareth, PA, and Charles “Buzzy” Heidecker (Sharon) of Bethlehem, PA; and six step-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the staff of Willowbrook Memory Care for their loving support these past few years. A special thank you to Miss Stacy Saunders, Libby’s dedicated, loving companion for over five years. The family is so grateful God sent an angel to watch over and care for her. Libby was always excited to make day trips with Stacy, to listen to the City Band, to see Marshall, and for lunches of coconut shrimp! Just like her own father, “Nana” always looked forward to her ice cream! Due to the newly-increased public safety measures being enforced by the State of Illinois, funeral services will be private. She will be laid to rest at the Olive Branch Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the "Marshall School Foundation". Please indicate: “In memory of Libby Wells for benefit of the music department.” Mail to: Marshall Community Unit School District ATTN: Ruth Lisella 503 Pine Street, Marshall, Illinois 62441 The Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union is in charge of arrangements.