Mary L. Timm

Mary L. Cunningham Timm, 97, of Gibson City passed peacefully at 6:22 pm Tuesday August 15, 2023 at the Gibson Area Hospital Annex. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am Saturday August 26, 2023 at the Rosenbaum Funeral Home in Gibson City, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at noon with Pastors Richard Likeness and Jim Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Drummer Township Cemetery, and lunch will be served at the Lee Lowrey American Legion Post.

Mary was born February 23, 1926 in Richland County, Wisconsin to Ross Andrew and Josephine Mellom Cunningham, growing up on a farm during the Depression. She met Eugene "Doc" Timm on November 27, 1946 in Milwaukee and married him exactly two years later. They lived in St. Louis for several years before moving to Central Illinois, and eventually to Gibson City. He preceded her in death on March 23, 2015.

She is survived by her four children - Jacki (Pat) Rohan of Newton, Massachusetts, Ted (Debbie) Timm of Towanda, Eric (Brenda) Timm of Gibson City and Lori (Dave Sallee) Lutz of Gibson City; sixteen grandchildren of whom she was so very proud - Colleen, Patricia, Darcy, Kara, Jamie, Alexis, Morgan, Danielle, Lindsay, Ericka, Bryan, Amber, TJ, Calab, Danielle and Dawson; fifteen precious great grandchildren; many others who called her grandma; and her brother Gene (Marilyn) Cunningham of Paris, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by infant son Frederick, one sister and five brothers.

Long-time owner of the clothing store Cary L. and officer manager of the G&W Supermarket, her earlier career included modeling and teaching at Patricia Stevens finishing schools in St. Louis and Milwaukee.

Mary was a hardworking citizen of Gibson City, Ford County, and the state of Illinois. She was the first female Democratic County Chair in the state, and held elected positions as Gibson City Treasurer and Alderman for decades, continuing to serve on the Planning Commission until the end. It was her vision that led to bringing the Villas of Hollybrook ALF to Gibson City. She led local Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops and was PTA president six times. She was a member of the American Evangelical Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school for over 50 years. 

Living with pain since a golf cart accident in 1985 left her right ankle fused in one position did not slow her down. She continued to serve the Moose Lodge, Telecare, the GC Women's Club, the county sheriff's merit board, and as a long-time mentor in the Gibson City schools. She seldom missed a school performance, Greyhound or Falcons game, especially if her children or grandchildren were involved. 

Mary was a 60+ year member of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary as well as a 75 year Gold Star Member of the American Legion. She was dedicated to the Gibson Area Hospital and Auxiliary, making lap blankets and over 1200 hats for newborn babies that were donated to area hospitals. And she performed many, many other roles in her community. 

She was recipient of lifetime achievement awards from GC Area Hospital's Sunderland Society,  

the Chamber of Commerce, and the Central Illinois Girl Scout Council.

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Evangelical Lutheran Church or to the American Legion Auxiliary.