Neva M. Mendenhall

Neva M. Mendenhall, a devoted wife, loving mother, doting "Nani", and beloved child of God, entered into glory on March 2, 2022!

Our precious Neva was born August 5, 1932, in Robinson, IL, the daughter of Rev. Paul L. Piersall & P. Ruth (Willard) Piersall. She grew up in the Robinson area and was a 1950 graduate of RHS. Out of high school, she made the trek to Chicago to work as an operator for Western Union, that is, before a young Earnie Mendenhall wooed her back home. Their point of connection came by way of her father, who was mentoring the young man to become a minister himself. They entered into Holy Matrimony on August 4, 1951, and soon after, Neva took on the role of preacher's wife. On Sunday mornings, her beautiful alto was as captivating as a bird's song, and her lovely piano playing not only blessed their congregation but the Father's heart as well.

She and Earnie took the command, "Be fruitful and multiply," very seriously, and as the children kept coming, it became increasingly apparent that the meager salary of a pastor wasn't going to cut it. So, he found work running a gas station in Terre Haute, where she lent a hand when she wasn't working as an operator. In 1962, their young family moved to Peoria, IL, where they called "home" for a couple of years before putting roots down in Morton, IL. Here, they ran the Cities Service Full-Service Gas Station while Neva got a job at NAPA Auto Parts. Before too long, her skill set impressed John Fornoff, the owner of Dealers Automotive Supply, who hired her on as his auto parts manager. She worked in this capacity for many years, even after moving back to Crawford County, where she was a staple at Hutton's Parts Service. By all accounts, she was the glue that held the company together, as she knew every part, backward and forward (serial number included!) After retiring (following a couple of unsuccessful attempts), she and Earnie were able to travel from the west coast all the way to Florida, where she had the opportunity to bask in the wonder of Disney World. Had she been in the driver's seat, it could only be assumed that she'd hold some sort of land speed record. After all, once she started humming and singing about Jesus, the woman had just about the heaviest lead foot you'd ever see!

Back home, she'd often be found rooting for her beloved Chicago Bulls. (That is, unless something went awry, in which case, she would often yell, "Get the phone, I'm calling the coach!") Although her television was nothing to write home about, her house was always home to her family's game day celebrations. This should come as a surprise to no one, considering Neva's hospitable nature. If you were to drop by her house, even unannounced, she'd be feeding you in no time flat! What's more, whatever you were handed was sure to be delectable! Her mashed potatoes and noodles were each the stuff of legend, and her rump roast will never truly be replicated. And then there were her desserts. The mouth can't help but water when dreaming about her chocolate ding dong cake or infamous lime cheesecake.

It was evident that, in filling others, Neva herself found fulfillment. She had a servant's heart, this much is true. If there was a need, she'd fill it. In fact, her home was a safe haven of rest for anyone who was hurt and needing of love. After all, Neva had plenty of love to share. This overflow bore witness to her walk with Jesus. He led her through many trials in life, and she trusted him, step by step, day by day. His faithfulness led to an impactful prayer life for Neva, one that brought deliverance to her family, friends, 4Cs church family, and many in her community. In other words, Neva Mendenhall did the good work of bringing heaven to earth. She personified Matthew 5:16, which says to "let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This is exactly what Neva Mendenhall did. Praise be to God!

Anxiously anticipating a heavenly reunion are her three sons & daughters-in-law, Ed Mendenhall, Earnie, Jr. & Paula Mendenhall, and Morrie & Angie Mendenhall; three daughters & son-in-law, Twyla Rosson, Connie Clough, and Lisa & Frank Yager; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; brother, George Piersall (Robinson, IL); brother-in-law, Buster & Wanda Mendenhall; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Her parents, Paul L. & Ruth Piersall, went before her in faith, as did her husband of nearly 58 years, Earnie Mendenhall, Sr.; sons-in-law, G. Steven Rosson and Rick Clough; five brothers, John Piersall, Oscar Piersall, Claude Piersall, Paul J. Piersall, and Leo Piersall, Sr.; and three sisters, Dottie Chapman, Nina Mae Fenton, and Beverly Bomer.

A time of visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 5th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 6th, at the funeral home, with Pastor David Vaughn officiating. Burial will be in the Oblong Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to her memorial fund, with checks made payable to "Goodwine Funeral Homes".