Rosalie Johns Wolaver

Rosalie Johns Wolaver, age 98, of Creal Springs Illinois, passed away Tuesday, October 14, 2025. She was the daughter of Ray Johns and Gladys (Bradley) Johns.

She was a 1944 graduate of Marion Township High School. After graduation, she married Harold Lynn (Bud) Wolaver on June 20, 1946.

She is survived by her daughters Sandra Gibson, Terrie (Dan) Robertson, Paula Odom and son Lyle (April) Wolaver; Grandchildren Leslie (Terry) Behrens, Michael Gibson, Brent Robertson, Heather Robertson, Lucas (Katharine) Odom, Jackson Wolaver (Michelle); Great grandchildren Ashley Mueller, Ryan Gibson, Brendan Field, Connor Odom, Caroline Rose Odom; Sisters Julia (Herman) Parks, Pat (Don) Boyd; Sisters in law Bonnie (Robert) Johns, Laura Lee (J.T.) Johns; very dear cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews. Preceding her in death Husband; Harold Lynn (Bud) Wolaver; Daughter Terrie (Dan) Robertson Sister; Mary (Sollie) Vinson, Brothers; Kenneth (Imogene) Johns, Robert Johns, J.T. Johns.

Rosalie was an active and loyal member of the Creal Springs Methodist Church. Rosalie had a strong faith and held to it throughout the challenges of life. Rosalie worked at the Olin chemical plant in the Ordill area for 27 years (1965-1992). She enjoyed watching grandchildren play sports, their school activities and fixing mashed potatoes, chicken and dumplings for them to eat.

After her retirement she discovered traveling, especially with her cousin June Walker. She enjoyed many trips, twice to Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and various locations in the USA.

Rosalie and her sister, Mary Vinson, attended activities at the Marion Senior Centre and the Creal Springs Café where they lunched with other seniors. She attended exercise class, played cards, and quilted many treasured heirlooms for her family.

She was an avid walker and could be seen throughout the country roads of Creal Springs on her daily walks. At age 70, she was winning 5K’s at the Dallas Komen Race for the Cure. She participated in many walks for charities and looked forward to each event. She relished the outdoors and climbed Diamond Head in Hawaii at age 85, inspiring much younger walkers to join her along the way. She continued walking a mile to age 90. She could be seen by neighbors daily taking care of her yard by picking up every leaf and stick. When she moved into the Vienna Nursing Home in 2018, Rosalie was placed in a wheelchair due to balance issues yet she kept wheeling around. She was often found in other resident’s rooms roaming. During Covid, Rosalie was positive for the virus and put in isolation which was a big challenge for the nursing staff at Hillview Healthcare Center to keep her in one place.

Rosalie’s memory faded as she progressed in age however she was always pleasant, thoughtful and appreciated the kindness of others.

Graveside funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 18th, 2025 at 11:00am at the County Line Cemetery in Creal Springs, IL.

Sloan Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.