Esther R. Cronk 84 of Champaign, formerly of East Peoria, died at 11:20 a.m. Saturday, September 28, 2013 at the Meadowbrook Healthcare Center, Urbana, IL.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date. Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Esther was born on February 26, 1929 in Peoria, the daughter of Sherman and Minnie Wallen Cline. She married William Cronk on November 17, 1956 in Peoria; he survives.

Also surviving are two sons; Bryan (Ursula) Cronk of Wake Forest, North Carolina, Robert (Melanie) Cronk of Washington, one daughter; Jael (Steve) Thorp of Champaign, two sisters; Eva Braker of Deer Creek, Mildred Hudson of Morton, five grandchildren; Christopher Cronk, Melissa Cronk, Rebecca Rhodes, Sarah Thorp, Tim Thorp and two great grandsons; James Cronk and Ransom Rhodes.

She was preceded in death by two brothers; Sherman and Robert.

Esther loved china painting and created many treasured pieces for her family as a member of the Peoria Art Guild. She liked gardening and had a particular fondness for roses, lilies, lilacs, hollyhocks, and African violets. Esther cared deeply for animals and supported animal rescue, taking in many rescue cats in her lifetime. She was a homemaker and gave to the community by giving blood and platelets regularly. Esther loved her family and enjoyed being with them at gatherings where she cooked food everyone desired. She took her children and grandchildren on special trips and spent time with her husband on activities such as jogging and the arts. Those memories endure.

Memorial contributions may be made to Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Road, Kanab, Utah 84741-5000.

Condolences may be offered at www.rennerwikoffchapel.com.