WAPELLA — Mary D. Westfall, 71, formerly of Wapella, passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. surrounded by her family at the Goldwater Care Center, Clinton.
There will be a private funeral mass and burial. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home has been entrusted with arrangements. A public celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Mary Denice Holland was born on September 2, 1953, to William R. and Ellen D. (Ryan) Holland, in Normal. While attending school in Wapella, Mary was a cheerleader and was crowned Homecoming Queen and Miss Farmer City Fair Queen. She graduated in 1971.
Mary began her career with McLean County Coroners Bill Anderson and Dan Brady, and later continued working for Dan Brady, when he became State Representative, serving in his Bloomington and Springfield Capitol offices. He was a faithful friend, and she cherished his visits at the nursing home.
Mary is survived by her children, Holly (Dennis) Klatt, Kelly (Jim) Murphy, Reggie Westfall, and Megan (Tom) Lamkin; grandchildren, Haley (Chad) Hoke, Kaehl Murphy, Maci Kate (Charles Lampe) Johnson, Hannah (Reed Gordon) Morris, Maxwell (Morgan Fortune ) Johnson; great-granddaughter Addison Lampe; siblings Rick (Vicki) Holland and Jim (Shelley) Holland; beloved nephews and nieces; and many cousins.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and granddaughter, Eryn Denice Murphy.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Mary’s greatest joy in life was her children and grandchildren. She never missed a ballgame or dance competition, and Gram was always up for hosting a weekend sleepover. She will be remembered by all as a special, loving soul, the sweetest person, who brought joy into every room she walked into.
The family wishes to express its sincerest gratitude for the compassionate people who cared for Mary for the past five years at Goldwater Care Center.
Online condolences and memories of Mary may be shared with her family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.
