By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
12 Comments
    • Service

      Private service at a later date.

    • Full Obituary

      Lessie Mae Mayes, 84, of Mt. Erie, Illinois passed away Sunday, January 17, 2021, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana.

      Lessie was born January 2, 1937 at Stafford, Ohio to Roy and Edith (VanDyne) Vanfossen, Sr. She married Raymond Mayes, Jr. November 22, 1953, at Fairfield, Illinois and he preceded her in death July 23, 1997.

      Lessie retired from Champion Laboratories in West Salem and, also owned and operated Mt. Erie Furniture Mart for many years.  She enjoyed reading and spending time with her friends.

      Lessie is survived by two daughters Peggy Mayes and Vicki (Dave) Tomblinson both of   West Salem, Illinois; two sons Michael (Sharon) Mayes of Makanda, Illinois and Martin Mayes of Mt. Erie, Illinois; and one brother David (Ruth Ann) Vanfossen of Godfrey, Illinois.  Also surviving are six grandchildren Chad (Lynnia) Mayes, Jason (Jennifer) Mayes, Kaleb (Kourtney Dixon) Whetstone, Lauren (Jeremy) Givens, Shauna Tomblinson and Travis Harris; eight great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

      Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, Raymond Mayes, Jr. and son Steve Mayes, sister Marilyn Johnston and a brother Roy Vanfossen, Jr.

      Per her wishes, cremation was accorded, and a private family service will be held at a later date.

      Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com.

      Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, Illinois

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    12 Condolences
     
    1. Ron Crews / January 18, 2021 at 11:58 am

      So sorry for your loss

    2. Thomas J. Goodman / January 18, 2021 at 3:02 pm

      Please accept our condolences. Lessie was a good person and a hard worker. We worked together at Champion Laboratories years ago, and never had a dull moment. She will be greatly missed 😢.

    3. Jolene Markman / January 18, 2021 at 6:57 pm

      Such a great loss. Her smile was contagious.

    4. Gary and Cheryl Kuhlig / January 18, 2021 at 7:15 pm

      So sorry to hear this. Keeping you in our prayers.

    5. Robbin L Eckel / January 18, 2021 at 7:27 pm

      Our sympathies to the Mayes’ family and friends. Lessie was a great person!!

    6. Brenda Judge-Hundley Hall / January 19, 2021 at 5:11 am

      Vicki and families, heartfelt condolences for the loss of your mother. Keeping you all in prayers and thoughts during this time.
      Always remembered 💫

    7. Crystal Paul family / January 19, 2021 at 6:52 am

      So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful woman and will be sadly missed. Thoughts and prayers for all your family.

    8. Kathie Hill / January 19, 2021 at 6:53 am

      Please accept my condolences. I enjoyed working with Lessie at Champion Labs several years ago. She was a true friend to me at that time. I remember her with great fondness.

    9. marsha stennett / January 19, 2021 at 7:51 am

      so sorry for you loss you mom was a sweetheart. ethel and marsha powell stennett.

    10. Tim Wolfe / January 19, 2021 at 12:11 pm

      So sorry for your loss. Always thought a lot of your mother. Looked forward to the Ruritan breakfast and whispering in her ear “Hello Darlin’ “. I remember her ,Evelyn and my mom getting together. She will be missed.

    11. Kimberley Jean Shryock / January 21, 2021 at 10:48 am

      Mike, Marty, Vicki, Peggy, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. She was a wonderful lady, and will be truly missed. Always left me with a smile, or bursting out laughing any time I saw her. Am thinking about all of you and your families during this time.

    12. Donna Pipher / January 23, 2021 at 9:52 am

      so sorry for your loss. she always had a big smile for everyone. she will be missed.

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