Frances Rinker, 91, of Gillespie, IL, was quietly called home on December 16, 2014, with her family and friends surroundering her at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield, IL after a brief illness. She was born in Carlinville, IL on August 6, 1923, to Hilda L. (Edwards) Millhorn and Paul I. Millhorn. She married Charles E. Rinker. He preceded her in death on December 8, 1982. Together they had 3 children and her family remained the light of her life through the years.
She was a dedicated worker having succeeded in all endeavors and had 3 separate careers. She was a LPN at both St Francis and Carlinville Hospitals, then Frances worked with Montgomery Ward as a retail employee and next, a store manager in both Carlinville and Litchfield in a career than spanned more than 20 years. After her retirement from Montgomery Ward, she took a position with Illinois Valley Economic Development rising to the position of project director. She retired at the age of 76 for the final time.
Frances spent nearly her entire life in Montgomery and Macoupin Counties. She attended grade school in Barnett and high school in Litchfield and graduated after eleven years after never being absent a single day. She was a fine student by all accounts.
Her hobbies included swing dancing, bowling, playing cards and watching her beloved St. Louis Cardinals.
She is survived by her children: Mary Catherine Contratto of Gillespie, Karen (Jim) Brunetto of Gillespie, David (Karen) Rinker of Carlinville; grandchildren, Rachel (Conner) Foster of Lincoln, IL, Matt (Kerry) Rinker of Carlinville, Mark (Sarah) Brunetto of Grafton, IL, Lauren Rinker of Springfield, IL, Sarah Rinker of Carlinville; 6 great grandchildren; brother, Edward (Carolyn) Millhorn of Bettendorf, IA; niece, Sally (Mike) Worden of Bettendorf, IA and nephew, J. Edward (Negra’s) Millhorn of Lapaz, Bolivia, SA.
Beside her parents and spouse she was also preceded in death by her brother Myron and his wife, Jane Millhorn of Ft. Wayne, IN and son in law, George “Cubby” Contratto.
As were her wishes, her remains will be cremated and there are no services planned at this time. The family suggest memorials be sent to United Methodist Church in GIllespie, IL.
Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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