Eunice Meurlott Mayhood, 96, passed away on Saturday (February 25, 2012) at her residence at Bickford Cottage Senior Living Facility in Champaign.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 1, 2012 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana. Rev. J. Michael smith and Chaplain Deb Braunig will officiate. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Born on April 9, 1915 near Wheeler in Jasper County, Eunice was the daughter of Emile and Mabel Ryder Meurlott and enjoyed relating the fact that she was the "seventh child of two seventh children." She married Everett Watson Mayhood on August 31, 1934 in Effingham and he preceded her in death on August 15, 1989.

Eunice is survived by her daughter, Mary Anne (Ronald) Hudson of Urbana; her granddaughter, Sheryl (Randy) Bell of Crestview, FL; three great grandchildren, (Nathan Bell, Ellen Bell and Amber Bell) of Crestview, FL; and her niece, Lee Patton of Springfield.

Preceding her in death were her parents, six brothers (Lt. Col. Byron M. Meurlott, Dale A. Meurlott, Sidney E. Meurlott, L. Carl Meurlott, W. Lawrence Meurlott and Archie V. Meurlott); and two sisters (Genevieve R. Meurlott, who died in childhood, and Clella A. Manuel).

She was a passionate cook; and, even into her mid-90's, still could stir up a "mean" pot of vegetable soup. In her later years, one of her great joys was crocheting dishcloths to give to family and friends. Grandma Noonie (as she was called by her great-grandchildren) always was a positive role model for her family, and they were her absolute pride and joy.

In addition to her career as an excellent homemaker, Eunice was a retiree of the University of Illinois. As Chief Payroll Clerk for the College of Agriculture for many years, she took great pride in working with Deans and Department Heads regarding budgets, academic/non-academic appointments and payroll matters. Her meticulous bookkeeping skills were lauded by many with whom she worked.

Eunice was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Urbana. A life-long Methodist, she fondly remembered many Epworth League experiences as a child.

Over the years, Eunice and Everett were active in several Masonic organizations. She was a member of the True Kindred, in which she held many offices, as well as its associated T-Klub. She was a 50-year member of Hope Chapter of the Eastern Star.

During the past six months, Eunice had been a resident of the Mary B Memory Unit at Bickford Cottage Senior Living Facility. While there, she was blessed to have been under the loving care of their excellent nursing staff.

Upon Eunice's passing, we her family, are left with a hole in our hearts, but we are blessed with a myriad of wonderful memories and the warm glow of her beautiful and loving smile.

It is suggested that contributions in Eunice's memory may be made to either: Bickford Cottage-Mary B Memory Init, 1002 S. Staley Rd, Champaign, IL 61822; or Grace United Methodist Church, 2004 S. Philo Rd, Urbana, IL 61802

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.