Annette Gayle Walser Kilver, 93, of Jacksonville, IL passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

She was born November 22, 1930, in Chicago, the daughter of the late Delferd R. Walser and Mildred Jensen Walser of Wilmette, IL. She graduated from New Trier High School in 1948, and then from Carthage College in 1952 with degrees in Education and Biology. She later received her master's in education at MacMurray College. She married Jack Kilver, son of the late Gustav and Lora Kilver of Pisgah, in July of 1952.

She taught special education at Franklin and Alexander schools until 1994, helping hundreds of children improve their reading skills. Annette was a talented quilter, winning multiple awards at the State and Morgan County Fairs, including "Best of Show" for a quilt at the State Fair.

In retirement, she enjoyed quilting, knitting, sewing, rug hooking, painting and was a Master Gardener. She was passionate about supporting our soldiers overseas by knitting socks during WWII and hats for soldiers to wear under their helmets during the Gulf and Afghanistan Wars. She was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church and sang in the choir.

Annette was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jack, and sister Margo Lori of Kenosha, WI. She will be greatly missed by her three children, Lora Lacey (husband Monte Thomas), Blair Kilver and Julie Cary (husband Richard); two grandsons, Maxwell Cary (wife Abigail) and Jack Lacey (wife Thandi); and four great-grandchildren Maxwell, Evie, Sophia and Jack.

A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church Monday November 4, 2024, at 11:00 AM. Family will meet with friends prior to the service from 10 to 11 am.The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left at buchanancody.com.