Elma Jean Hobby, age 93, of Stronghurst, Illinois, passed away Sunday, August 13, 2023 at Roseville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. She was born August 19, 1929 in LaHarpe, Illinois, the daughter of Hollis and Alvena Heins Owsley. On June 5, 1947, she married the love of her life, Eugene Hobby, in LaHarpe. After 75 years of marriage, he preceded her in death on December 30, 2022.
Survivors include one daughter, Coni Hobby (Dan Sigwart) of Macomb, IL; three grandsons, Dustin (Thea) Hobby, Michael Hupp, and Arron Hobby; six great-granddaughters, Emily, Alexx, Rachelle, Candice, Sydney, Raelynn and Stella; four great-grandsons, Ben, Cole, Elijah, Dylan, and Harrison; two great great grandchildren, Lucy and Thomas; one daughter-in-law, Rhonda Hobby; one brother-in-law. Gary (Doris) Armstrong, and two sisters-in-law, Evelyn Owsley and Carlyn (Phil) Anders.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons, Ron and Rick Hobby, two sisters, Margaret Lovitt and Ann Butterfield, and two brothers, Richard and Robert “Bob” Owsley.
Elma shared her husband’s dream of owning their farm one day and worked in the fields right along beside him as much as she could while raising three children. She worked tirelessly in the garden, yard and home. She also worked outside the home to help out throughout the years at various odd seasonal jobs before working for several years at the Fort & Fort Law Offices in Stronghurst. After a short rest, she began working for Dr. Meek in Stronghurst, and worked for him for several years. After some time at home again, she became restless and was an Outreach worker for the Henderson County Health Department. She enjoyed “her” people so much while completing her work that she often commented that she could not believe she got paid for doing something that she loved so much! After over 20 years (and in her 80’s), she retired.
A beloved wife, mother, grandma, and aunt, Elma loved cooking, entertaining, and helping her family, spending time with them whenever possible. Family birthdays were important to her and many times she provided her wonderful red cake for the celebration. She loved helping her family and friends and provided wonderful meals showing her love for each and every one. Faith, family and friends were always her top priorities.
Elma was a member of the Old Bedford Christian Church and was always available to do what was needed at the church. After Old Bedford closed, she attended the Raritan Baptist Church.
The funeral for Elma will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst with Rev. A. Lee Unger and Aaron Baker officiating. Burial will follow in the Raritan Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. Saturday, until time of services, at the funeral home. Memorials have been established for the Raritan Baptist Church and the Stronghurst-Raritan Ambulance Service. Please visit Elma’s obituary at banksandbeals.com to leave a condolence.
