Barbara Cortelyou

Barbara Ann (Eller) Cortelyou, 87 of Centralia passed away Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Centralia Manor in Centralia, Illinois, after a 5-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Barbara was born on November 25, 1925, in Centralia to Fred D. & Bess Mae (Carlyle) Eller. On June 23, 1949, she married William (Bill) Cortelyou, in Bentonville, Arkansas. He preceded her in death on June 4, 2001. Barbara was also preceded in death by both of her parents and her sister, Betty Nyland. Survivors include daughter Annette Walker and husband, Mike; daughter Beth Mainer and husband David – all of Centralia; and son Scott Cortelyou & wife Patti of Conifer, Colorado; Granddaughter Vanessa Fuson and husband Steve, of Homer Alaska; grandson Andy Robnett of Ward, Arkansas; great grandchildren Leia & Brenden Fuson of Homer, Alaska; brother-in-law Rev. Albert Nyland of Fishers, Indiana. When the kids were young, Barb was a stay at home mom and was very active in PTA and in her church, Redeemer Lutheran in Centralia. She loved to sing and play the piano and organ, taking part in many musical events held by the Centralia Cultural Society and by the church. As a teenager, Barb was an usher at the Illinois Theatre in downtown Centralia; -so when the restoration project was begun there – she became a member of the board of directors! She was the best of volunteers – including serving as member and President of Pink Lady Auxiliary at St. Mary’s hospital. For several years, she was a member of the Centralia Balloon Fest Steering Committee and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Barbara graduated from Centralia Township High School in 1943 and remained close to a wonderful group of friends; - working on all class reunions and having lunch once a month to keep in touch. She worked as a medical office assistant for Dr. J. H. Brodish and Dr. Tom Martin. Barb also worked as executive Secretary of the Centralia Cultural Society for 15 years. Barb was a much loved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and wonderful friend. She will be missed! Funeral services and celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at 11:00am at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 4th & Cherry Street, Centralia with Rev. Albert Nyland and Rev. Nancy A. Nyland officiating. Interment will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Centralia. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 18, 2013 from 5:00 – 7:00pm at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia and there will be a 1-hour visitation prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Redeemer Lutheran Church, The Alzheimer’s Association, the Centralia Cultural Society or the Illinois Theater Restoration Project and will be received by Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com

Barbara Cortelyou

November 25, 1925 - June 15, 2013