Connie LaDon Brubaker, 69, of Taylorville, passed away at 7:56 a.m., Friday, May 24, 2019 at her home. She was born on September 15, 1949 in Salem, IL, the daughter of Floyd and Marjorie (Conant) Jones. She graduated from Kinmundy-Alma High School in the Class of 1967, obtained her Associate of Arts from Kaskaskia College, and then a Bachelor of Science degree in English Education from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale. Her career was devoted to education. She was gifted with accepting people as they were while knowing just how to challenge them. She taught a variety of English and literature classes for 29 years at Litchfield High School. After stepping out of the classroom, she moved on as an implementation specialist and consultant for the Academic Development Institute in affiliation with Temple University as well as a consultant and developer for Western Illinois University’s GED Illinois Online Project. She later taught several classes for Lincoln Land Community College before culminating her career with the Illinois Community College Board as a project coordinator for a project providing professional development workshops for administrators, technology coordinators and higher education faculty.
Connie’s faith provided deep fulfillment through service and relationships. She was the organist at St. Timothy United Methodist Church for many years. She was also a member of a small Bible Study group that she thoroughly enjoyed. Most recently she was a member of First United Methodist Church of Taylorville where she helped in tabulating the financial contributions.
In her leisure time, Connie enjoyed reading, writing and traveling. Her home provided her with comfort and relaxation over the years. A published author, Connie’s love of nature inspired the title for her book of poetry published in 2006, “Leaving the Limberlost”.
She married James Ray Brubaker on August 8, 1970 in Wesley United Methodist Church in Patoka, IL. Together they enjoyed art, antique stores and conversation. As their family grew, vacations became a yearly highlight. The past decade has been all about the grandchildren – love, laughter and kisses.
Along with her husband, Mrs. Brubaker is survived by: two children - Stephanie (Matt) Lawson of Troy, IL and Ben Brubaker of Maryville, IL; two brothers - Stan (Linda) Jones and Roger (Cathy) Jones, both of Alma, IL; three granddaughters - Hannah Lawson, Emma and Grace Brubaker; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, and one nephew.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church of Taylorville with Rev. Becky Lembke officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville, and also for one hour prior to the funeral at the church on Thursday. Burial will take place at 3:00 p.m. at Sandy Branch Cemetery in rural Alma with time afterward for family at Wesley United Methodist Church. The family suggests memorials to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund in memory of Connie. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories of Connie, or condolences to the family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.
