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Obituary of Effie M. Symonds

Dahinda – Effie M. Symonds, 84, of Dahinda, died at 6:57 pm Sunday, September 23, 2007, at her home.

Effie was born December 3, 1922, in Dunlap, Illinois, the daughter of Orval W. and Grace Harker Connelly.  She married Robert O. Symonds on December 16, 1942, near Princeville, Illinois.  He died April 28, 1995, in Galesburg. 

Surviving is one son, Gary W. (and Doris) Symonds of Peoria; two daughters, Florence H. (and Dennis) Doye of Duncan, and Clara J. (and Joseph) Groeper of Dahinda; six grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one brother, David (and Mary) Connelly of Peoria, and one sister, Peggy (and Gene) Pierson of Chillicothe.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister, Clara (and Dwight) Duggins, and her step-mother, Edna Webb Connelly, who raised her since the age of 12.

Effie worked at the Roselle Dairy in Peoria while attending the Brown Business College.  After graduation, she worked for a local attorney until her marriage to Robert.   She was a member of Maxey Chapel United Methodist Church, rural Knoxville. 

She and her husband raised purebred Spotted Swine in the Dahinda and Brimfield areas for over 50 years.  Effie was inducted into the Illinois Spotted Swine Hall of Fame. Her home was decorated with numerous photos of family and friends, as well as trophies from the hog shows.  She enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Anyone who came through the door was always invited to eat at her table.  She also enjoyed taking care of the farm animals, especially her cats. 

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Thursday, September 27, 2007, at Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home, Princeville.  Rev. Sarah Wanck will officiate.  Visitation will be from 4:30 to 7:00 pm Wednesday, September 26, 2007, Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens, Peoria.

Memorial contributions may be made to Appleton Fire Department, Maxey Chapel, or to the family. 

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