Lula Belle Kirkpatrick

Mrs. Lula Belle Kirkpatrick, age 85, of Bartlett, Illinois and formerly of Benton, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at the Amita Health St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin, Illinois.

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, and the public gatherings of no more than 10 people and observing social distancing; Services will be family only and private. Burial will be private at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. The Leffler Funeral Home, of Benton, is in charge of arrangements.

Lula Belle was born on February 19, 1935 near Rend City, Illinois, the daughter of Lester Gilbreath and Mabel (Dugger) Gilbreath.  She married Ernest Wayne Kirkpatrick on May 25, 1950 and he preceded her in death on June 12, 1992.

She was a homemaker and had previously worked for Standard Oil Company.

Mrs. Kirkpatrick enjoyed attending craft fairs, shopping, watching television, and going out to eat. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving are three children: Sandra S. Holz and husband James of Hanover Park, IL, Gary W. Kirkpatrick of Bartlett, IL, Michael D. Kirkpatrick and wife Connie of Wausau, WI; four grandchildren: Adam W. Smith and wife Alicia, Michael R. Smith and wife Nicole, Gary W. Kirkpatrick, Jr., Rhonda Marie Kirkpatrick; two great-grandsons: Austin James Smith and Cameron Jacob Smith; a sister Sylvia Gipson of Benton; and several nieces and nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and two sisters: Jeanne O’Daniell and Doris Galloway.

Memorial contributions, In Memory of Lula Belle Kirkpatrick, may be made to either the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Lions Club International, or to the American Hearing Research Foundation; and may be mailed to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Lula Belle, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

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