Esther Maxine Drum

Esther Maxine Drum, 92, of West York, IL, died January 11, 2021, at Cotillion Ridge in Robinson, IL. She was born December 7, 1928, in Melrose Township, the daughter of Roscoe & Goldie (Clements) Cornwell, both of whom preceded her in death. She married Morris Edison Drum on March 11, 1950, and he preceded her in death on July 9, 1994. She was also preceded in death by her sons, Barnett Drum and Roger Drum; by her brothers, Rector Ray “Rex” Cornwell, Daniel “Junior” Cornwell, and Carroll Cornwell; and by her sisters, Barbara Nadine Galey, Vivian Iola Thompson, Eva Dale Heleine, Clema Rosalie Stephens, Clara Belle Bartram, and Elizabeth Ann Cornwell (in infancy). She is survived by her children & their spouses, Theresa & Jim Monk (West Union, IL), Morris Dee & Connie Drum (Casey, IL), Mark Drum (West Union, IL), Marsha & Bob Pettigrew (West Union, IL), and Mitch & Beth Drum (Hutsonville, IL); by 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; by her brother & sister-in-law, Larry & Bea Cornwell (Marshall, IL); as well as a host of nieces and nephews. Esther grew up in Melrose Township and was a graduate of Martinsville High School. She was, by all accounts, a hard worker. She spent 27 years in production at Victor Dana but dedicated her life to the family farm. Most of her 92 years were spent doing the work of a farmer's wife, such as dressing chickens, picking apples, tending to the garden, and cooking up enough food to feed everybody (and then some!) She was an ace in the kitchen, and her beloved family will always fondly remember gathering together for Sunday dinners to enjoy "Grandma Esther hamburgers", hard-cooked eggs, potato cakes, and many other delicacies. In short, Esther Drum was a strong, independent woman who lived a life of humor and abiding faith. A longtime member of the Mount Olive Baptist Church, we who are left behind to mourn her passing do so knowing that Esther isn't gone, but merely gone from our sight, and is today in the presence of her Savior. Due to the increased public safety measures being enforced by the State of Illinois, funeral services will be private. However, a live stream of her service will be available to the public starting at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 15th. This can be viewed on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream. Esther will be laid to rest in the Harrison Cemetery. To help pay for the cemetery's upkeep, memorial donations may be made to "Harrison Cemetery". Checks may be mailed to: Goodwine Funeral Homes 303 E Main St. Robinson, IL 62454 The Prust-Hosch Funeral Home in West Union is in charge of arrangements.