Lula Belle Kirkpatrick, formerly of Benton

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

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. Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of arrangements.

Lula Belle was born Feb. 19, 1935, near Rend City, the daughter of Lester Gilbreath and Mabel (Dugger) Gilbreath. She married Ernest Wayne Kirkpatrick May 25, 1950, and he preceded her in death 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, Gary W. Kirkpatrick of Bartlett, and Michael D. Kirkpatrick and wife Connie of Wausau, Wis.; four grandchildren, Adam W. Smith and wife Alicia, Michael R. Smith and wife Nicole, Gary W. Kirkpatrick Jr. and 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; her 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, the American Lung Association, Lions Club International or the American Hearing Research Foundation. They may be mailed to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 E. Main St., Benton, IL 62812.

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