June Sostheim, 73, of Champaign, formerly of Urbana, died 3:20 p.m. Saturday, October 10, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Memorial services will be at Grace United Methodist Church, Urbana at 11 am on Saturday, October 24, 2009 , Rev. J. Michael Smith, Rev. Debbie Braunig and Rev. Steve Diehl officiating. Private interment will be at a later date. Arrangements are being handled by Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd, Urbana.

June was born October 11, 1935 in Syracuse, NY, the daughter of Harold and Ethel (Bishop) Richards. She married Bob Sostheim on May 3, 1958 at Skaneateles, NY and he survives. She is also survived by a daughter, Deborah van der Hout of Urbana, sons, Richard Sostheim of Colorado Springs, Colo. and Daniel Sostheim of Urbana, a brother, Doug Richards of Irvine, Calif. and eight grandchildren.

She graduated from Skaneateles High School and Central City Business Institute in Syracuse, NY. She was a Medical Records Librarian at Crouse-Irving Hospital, Syracuse, NY and later was the office staff for her husband's medical practice. in Ogdensburg, NY. After moving to Urbana, she volunteered at Champaign County Nursing Home, The Carle Arbours and in the Surgical Waiting Room at Carle Foundation Hospital. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Urbana.

June was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her giving spirit knew no bounds as she committed herself to the tireless betterment of everyone that she came in to contact with. As a volunteer, she gave countless hours to serving in her children's school, her church, and her many volunteer outreaches. She loved gathering shells on the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Island and marveling at the beauty of their sunsets. She was a faithful fan of all things Illini, especially March Madness, the Cubs, and the Bears, through the good years and the bad.

Her truest passion was people and she gave of herself in every way she could. She was a true friend to so many, and always had an ear to listen. She was an extended mother to those who needed one and her arms were always open when anyone needed a hug. As a beloved mom to her children she was their greatest supporter and encourager. As a wife to her husband, she was a best friend and lifelong love. Her enduring love will carry forward in everyone who knew her. She will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church or to Carle Foundation Hospital.