Wava Jill Medsker, formerly of Christopher
Wava Jill Medsker, 72, of Marshall passed away after a lengthy battle with leukemia Aug. 11, 2022, at her home.
Jill was born April 11, 1950, in Christopher, the daughter of William "Bill" and Vivian Richerson. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and in-law, Jill is survived by her husband, Richard "Rick" Medsker; son Sean (Allison) Medsker; daughter Amanda Medsker and daughter Bethany (Clinton) Lashbrook; sister Judith "Judy" Edwards and brother Steven "Steve" Richerson; grandchildren Nathan, Hayley, Logan and Griffin Medsker, Kyler and Drew Pankey, Brooklyn David, and Savannah and Gabrielle Lashbrook; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was especially fond of her niece, Robin Cunningham, who was only nine years her junior. She is also survived by a large group of friends from the Marshall school system and community. Jill was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Vivian Richerson, and a brother, Curtis "Curt" Richerson, Visitation and funeral services will be held at Pearce Funeral Home. Visitation is 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, August 14th. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 15. Burial was at Marshall Cemetery with a meal following at St. Mary's Parish Hall.
Jill served many roles during her rich and full life, which culminated in a long list of accomplishments, hobbies and interests. She attended college at Southern Illinois University where she met her husband, Rick, while they were student workers at Trueblood cafeteria. After their marriage on Sept. 19, 1970, Jill finished her degree at Eastern Illinois University in special education. She stayed home to raise her three children until school age, then started her long and fulfilling career as an intermediate special education teacher at North Elementary School in Marshall. It is here that she made lifelong friendships that continued into her retirement. She had many contributions in the special education field, remaining passionate about her students long after they had left her classroom. Jill remained actively involved with the summer day camp through the Clark County Association for the Handicapped. Her influence was far reaching as her children and grandchildren served as day camp counselors. After 17 years in the field, Jill became learning disabilities teacher until her retirement in 2012. During this time, she was also the Darwin Township supervisor, where she used her bookkeeping skills for public service. Jill was never far away from her extended family in southern Illinois. She enjoyed spending summers and holidays at the family farm in Franklin County. She was a faithful attender of the Keelin Family Reunion, only missing twice in her life due to her illness. Jill was an avid gardener with the greenest of thumbs. She enjoyed watching her spring plantings turn into summer blossoms displaying their beautiful colors until early autumn. She was an experienced traveler, always eager for the next destination. She most enjoyed the family vacations to Destin, Fla., through the years. Following in their parents' footsteps, Jill and her sister became snowbirds for eight years during the month of February, at South Padre Island, Texas.
Jill will always be remembered as the matriarch of the Medsker family. She was never happier than when the family was together for Sunday dinners or Saturday afternoon swims. She was proud of her family's accomplishments and loved to cheer on her children and grandchildren in their sports, band and academic achievements. Her infectious laugh will be remembered by all, and her love of service to others will be passed on for generations to come. Jill was a baptized believer of Jesus Christ, and her family is confident that she is reunited with her family that waits her in Heaven.
Most recently, Jill was given the time and the opportunity to write down her personal history. In doing so, she recalled memories of her and her Grandmother Ivy watching soap operas, a guilty pleasure that continued throughout her life. She spoke fondly of her parents and siblings, telling of her love of college basketball because her brother played in high school. She recalled her most memorable stories in raising her three children and mentioned the affectionate nicknames given to each of her 10 grandchildren and how they originated. The family will treasure these documented memories of Jill as time continues on. Donations in member of Jill can be made to the Clark County Association for the Handicapped, 1719 Archer Ave., Marshall, IL. Envelopes will also be provided at the funeral home. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralservices.com.