Rella May Wampler

Rella May Wampler, 91, of Flat Rock, IL, died March 1, 2021, at Cotillion Ridge in Robinson, IL. She was born December 25, 1929, in Flat Rock, IL, the daughter of Jasper & Blanche (Miller) Hays, both of whom preceded her in death. She married Maurice Leathers Wampler on November 26, 1949, and he preceded her in death on February 24, 2002. She was also preceded in death by her son, Larry Dean Wampler; by her brother, Jim Hays; by her sister & brother-in-law, Amanda & John Crow; and by her sister-in-law, Patsy Hays. She is survived by her daughters & sons-in-law, Shirley & Tom Keiser and Peggy & Darrel Ault; by her son & daughter-in-law, Terry & DeeDee Wampler; by five grandsons, Shane O'Neal, Darrel "Spud" & Jessie Ault, Daniel Keiser, Dustin & Erin Ault, and Darren & Bobbi Jo Ault; by six great-grandchildren, Josey Ault, Braxton O'Neal, Ryder O'Neal, Keaton Ault, Holden Ault, and Adrianne Ault; by her brothers & sister-in-law, Gene Hays and Jerry & Donna Hays; by her sister & brother-in-law, Rose & Charlie Faith; by her sister-in-law, Carol Hays; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Rella was a lifelong resident of Crawford County and was a 1947 graduate of Flat Rock High School. As a young woman, she found employment at the Five Sisters Sewing Factory in Lawrenceville and Ettelbrick Shoe Factory in Robinson before settling down to raise her beloved children. Eventually, she rejoined the workforce as a janitor for Flat Rock Grade School and worked in the same capacity at Washington Grade School in Robinson, where she retired in 1992. Though she enjoyed her career, it was evident that her true calling in life was that of a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Anyone who knew her could attest to the fact that she adored her family and that there was nowhere she'd rather be than with those she loved most in this world. They will remember Rella as their steadfast rock, a constant source of care and concern. Her sweet and gentle disposition surely found its source in her walk with Jesus. Rella was a longtime member of the Flat Rock First Missionary Baptist Church, where she worshipped her Savior, who has brought her through the valley of the shadow of death and into the house of the Lord, where she will dwell forever. A time of visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 6th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Flat Rock. Under Phase 4 Mitigations, public attendance is allowed, but only up to 50 attendees at a time. Thusly, social distancing measures will be in place, and it will be required that all visitors wear face coverings while in the building. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday with Pastor J.D. Branson officiating. A live stream of her service can be viewed on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Memorial contributions may be made to the "Flat Rock First Missionary Baptist Church", with envelopes available at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at Crest Haven Memorial Park in Claremont, IL at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.