Herrin- Lorraine Stotlar, 86, of Herrin, passed away, peacefully, with her loving family by her side at 8:50 PM, Friday, December 5, 2014 at The Arch of Helia Healthcare in Energy.
Lorraine was born on September 1, 1928 in Christopher, Illinois to Arthur “A.R.” and Bernice (Rentfro) Gamber. She attended grade schools in Christopher and Marion and Graduated from Herrin High School in 1946. She was outgoing and personable and played the lead role in many school plays, was a cheerleader, and a member of the homecoming court. She married the love of her life, Orwin Stotlar, on October 12, 1946 at the Herrin First Christian Church. Together they shared sixty-eight wonderful years together.
She was retired after having worked for Merle Norman Cosmetics, Hecht’s in Marion and as a fashion show organizer and model for Bleyer’s in Carbondale.
Lorraine was an active member of Herrin First Christian Church for 50 years. She was a choral member and taught Sunday school. In recent years, Southern Illinois Worship Center in Herrin became her much loved home church, where her grandson, Evan Milby, serves as worship pastor. She was very active civically and socially as she was a member of Herrin Beta Sigma Phi, music and literature departments of the Herrin Woman’s Club, and the Wednesday ladies “Lunch Bunch”.
“Grandma Lo” or “Lo” as she was affectionately called by her loved ones and close friends had a witty personality and infectious smile and laugh. She was a talented story and joke teller who used her notorious expressive facial features and unique vocal impressions to create moments of suspense and hilarity. She had quite a singing voice too. She and Orwin enjoyed big band music. Once while in downtown St. Louis, Lo had the opportunity to sing with a band in front of a dinner crowd. They enjoyed travelling throughout the United States to various golf clubs and resorts, where Orwin would golf and Lo would sit by the pool sunning and reading one of her favorite mystery novels. She enjoyed cooking, especially lasagna, and decorating her home. Lo will be missed by her many friends, family and all those who knew and loved her.
Survivors include-
Husband Orwin Stotlar of Herrin
Daughter- Pamela D. Camarato of Herrin
Daughter- Cynthia K. Milby and husband Doug of Nashville, Tennessee
Five Grandchildren:
Matthew Camarato and wife Stephanie of Herrin
Andrew Camarato and fiancé Yavonne Field of Herrin
Tony Camarato and Abby Peart of Hinsdale
Ryan Milby of Nashville, Tennessee
Evan Milby and wife Alanna of Herrin
Seven Great Grandchildren:
Nicholas, August, Maria and Sophia Camarato of Herrin
Hannah and Jackson Camarato of Herrin
Addison Milby of Nashville, Tennessee
Brother-in-law- Sam Stotlar and wife Margie of Marion
Several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews
Many close friends
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister- Phyllis Smith, and beloved pets- “CoCo”, “Pepper” and “Autumn”.
A memorial service will be held at 7:00 PM, Thursday, December 11, 2014 at Southern Illinois Worship Center/ 124 Lou Ann Drive/ Herrin, IL 62948. Pastor Jason McKinnies will officiate. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until time of service, Thursday, at the church. Memorial arrangements were made at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin.
Memorial donations are suggested to Southern Illinois Worship Center or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and can be accepted at the church or Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St. / Herrin, IL 62948. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.