Natalie A. McConnell

Mrs. Natalie Ann McConnell, 84, of Blandinsville, IL went to be with the Lord, her Savior, at 11:45PM Saturday, January 26, 2013, at her home.

She was born on December 5, 1928, in Blandinsville, IL, the daughter of Harry and Dorothy (Meriwether) Hardisty Sr. On October 2, 1949 she married Charles A. McConnell in Blandinsville.

Natalie attended Blandinsville Grade School, and was a 1946 graduate of Blandinsville High School. She then attended WIU. Earlier in life Natalie worked for Dr. Borum in Blandinsville, but spent most of her life as a housewife, caring for her family. Natalie was the family farm manager of the Hardisty-McConnell Farms. She was a member of the Faith Fellowship Church in Tennessee, IL. She served as a Girl Scout leader, was a former member of the American Legion Auxiliary and served as the treasurer for the Blandin House Museum for many years. She was also a member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority. She enjoyed traveling through out the United States with her husband.

Natalie was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchilden were very special to her.

Survivors include: her husband Charles, 1 son Stephen (Linda) McConnell of Cedar Rapids, IA, 3 daughters Suzanne Blankenship of Marion, IL, Julia (Richard) McSperritt of Blandinsville and Sarah McConnell of Columbus Junction, IA, 8 grandchildren, Matthew McConnell, Eric (Allison) Blankenship, Joshua (Jennifer) Blankenship, Natalie (Kelly) Andersen, Alexis (Brian) Watkins, Candice Conley, Jenna McSperritt and Jonathan McSperritt. 5 great-grandchildren, Caitlyn Conley, Audrey Blankenship, Alex Blankenship, Avery Blankenship, and Robert Andersen. 2 brothers, John Hardisty of Chenoa, IL and Harry (Shirley) Hardisty of Tyler, TX and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 grandson-in-infancy Nicholas Charles Blankenship, and 3 sister-in-laws Dorothy Hardisty, Mary Lou McKinney and Mildred Blythe.

Graveside Services will be held at 2:00PM Monday, February 4, 2013 at McConnell Cemetery near Fountain Green, IL. At her request, there will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established for MDH Hospice, Faith Fellowship Church of Tennessee, and the Blandin House Museum. Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe is in charge of arrangements.