Obituary of Carmen Aleshire

Carmen Lucille Aleshire December 8, 1916—June 21, 2012 Carmen Lucille (Abel) Aleshire was born in Bloomington, Illinois on December 8, 1916. She was the daughter of Oscar Abel and Ethel (Denny) Abel. She married Donald H. Aleshire. They had five children. She proudly took care of her family as a homemaker. She was a ten year resident of Monroe, MI. She also lived in Park Forest and Mattoon, Illinois. Carmen loved her children and grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Everything revolved around her family. She also loved to eat out at restaurants. She always took her children with her to the restaurants, considering it a learning experience and a taste of "culture." Her favorite part of going out was dessert, especially chocolate cake, and ice cream. She always thought dessert made everyone feel better. Her children were her world, and she loved them equally. She made sure they all received equal shares of everything, even if it was as simple as cutting a piece of pie. Carmen loved to travel, and visit new and exciting places, but she believed her children needed to be with her to learn of these experiences. She took her children to museums, and historical sites. Carmen also enjoyed songs by Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, and many of the Big Band sounds from the 1940's and the Rock 'n Roll of the 1950's. In the summer, many nights were spent listening to the radio outside while she worked in her flower garden, or just sat outside with her family. She enjoyed taking her children to movies, especially musicals, such as, South Pacific and the King and I. She loved holidays, and the excitement of Christmas, giving presents to her family, and enjoying celebrations with her family. Carmen also loved to decorate with vibrant colors, such as fuchsia. She loved life, and worked hard to teach her children her values. Carmen was also a believer in Christ, and loved to have the Psalms read to her. Carmen Lucille Aleshire, age 95, passed away at 8:15 AM, Thursday, June 21, 2012 at Mercy Memorial Hospital. In addition to her parents, her death was preceded by her husband: Donald; a son: James D. Aleshire; and three brothers: Keith Roach, Lester Abel, and Ralph Abel. To cherish her memory, Carmen leaves behind two daughters: Betty Aleshire and Viki Dieter; two sons: Stephen (Bonnie) Aleshire and Brent (Karrie) Aleshire; 13 grandchildren: Dawn, Melody, Cameron, Tonya Daniel, Christa, Ginger, Kelly, Donald, Katie, Molly, Patrick, and Michael; and 13 great-grandchildren. Friends may gather from 10:00 AM until 12 PM Tuesday, June 16, 2012 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Her Life will follow at 12:00 Noon. Pastor David Jones of Northbrook Church will officiate. Also, a graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at Dodge Grove Cemetery in Mattoon, Illinois. Online guests may leave condolences, share a photo, or send floral arrangements by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.