Our loving mother, Wilma "Billie" Jean Gleason Schaefer, 91, of Marseilles, passed away on Sunday, July 7, 2024, at her residence.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Seals-Campbell Funeral Home in Marseilles. Private funeral services and burial in Riverview Cemetery in Marseilles will be with Rev. Duane Kaufman officiating.

Billie was born on March 21, 1933, in Marseilles, IL, to Willard F. and Isabelle (Thompson) Gleason. In 1958, she married Eugene Schaefer of Ottawa, IL who preceded her in death.

Billie was a graduate of Marseilles Class of 1951. She retired after 70 years from Gleason Furniture and Hardware Company, the family business of 90 years. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Illinois River Valley Chamber of Commerce, Ottawa Concert Association, and Sheridan Rod and Gun Club. She enjoyed porch sitting, singing and directing with the Methodist Church Choir, family vacations, playing cards, and Bingo.

She is survived by her sister, Dea Ann (Jim) Thompson; her children, Brent (Debbie) Schaefer, Rhonda (Ryan) Hill, Renee (John) McKinney, and Michelle Schaefer; nine grandchildren, Derek (Sarah) Schaefer, Matthew Schaefer, Nathanial (Claudia) Schaefer, Brittani (Nathan) Holland, Brandon (Stephanie) Diss, Benjamin (Megan) Diss, Jenny (Gary) Wren, Cory (Ren) Clements, and Cortney (Calvin) Wilson; sixteen great-grandchildren, Adrian, BriLeigh, Alex, Addison, Taylor, Brady, Bailey, Emmalyn, Kallyn, Finnley, Makynlee, Cooper, Abriel, Grant, Briar, and Jack; and many cousin, nieces, and nephews.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Eugene "Mizer"; her parents, Willard F. and Isabelle; and her sisters, Gloria Lettsome and Patsy Ann in infancy.

Pallbearers will be Derek, Nathan, Gary, Calvin, Adrian, and Alexander.

Memorials may be directed to the Marseilles Nursing Service or the Marseilles United Methodist Church. The family would like to thank the wonderful care given to our mother by the Marseilles Nursing Service, OSF Hospice, all her loving caregivers throughout the years, and thoughtful clergy.

Seals-Campbell Funeral Home

1009 E. Bluff St., Marseilles, IL 61341

815-795-5151 www.sealscampbell.com