Nelda Mae Cearlock, 90, of Vandalia, IL, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 10, 2025 at her home, surrounded by family.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 AM, Thursday, April 17, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church, Vandalia with Rev. Joe Lawson and Rev. Curtis Flake officiating. Interment will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery, Vandalia. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30-11:30 AM, Thursday, at the church. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. www.alz.org. Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com.
Nelda Mae Anderson was born May 14, 1934 in Fayette County, IL, the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Frisbee) Anderson. She married the love of her life, Robert Lee “Bob” Cearlock, on May 21, 1953 in San Antonio, TX. Together, they had three daughters and celebrated 72 years of marriage before his passing in January 2025.
Nelda was a supportive wife throughout the years. She and Bob had three daughters prior to building their own grocery store, Bob’s IGA in 1972. They later sold the store in 1985, founded RC Foods in Greenville in 1986; eventually selling it in 1992.
After selling the grocery store, Nelda and Bob had more free time to spend on hobbies; she loved golfing, boating, traveling, and growing beautiful flowers in her garden. Nelda and Bob lived on the Vandalia Lake for many years enjoying the beauty of the water but it wasn’t until Nelda was 40 that she learned to swim and water ski. She loved to have fun with family and friends and could accomplish anything she set her mind to.
Nelda was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Vandalia Country Club, and the Vandalia Soroptimist Club. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, and grandmother.
Mrs. Cearlock is survived by daughter, Rhonda Cearlock of Vandalia; daughter, Nancy Cearlock of St. Peters, MO; daughter, Sue and husband Don Schofield of Franklin, TN; sister, Mary and husband Clarence Alender of Staunton; grandchildren, Leah and husband Ryan Griesenauer of Hendersonville, TN and Elizabeth and husband Jesse Woodall of Knoxville, TN; and a great-grandson, Bennett Griesenauer of Hendersonville, TN.
Nelda was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, John Anderson; and sister, Jo Ann Tessman.
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