* SERVICE LOCATION HAS CHANGED, AND THERE WILL BE NO CEMETERY PROCESSION FOLLOWING THE SERVICE. UPDATES BELOW:
Edna Emily Pfaff, 90, of Keenes, IL passed away on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL. Mrs. Pfaff had resided the last few years at Countryside Manor Nursing Home in Mt. Vernon, IL due to her health. Prior to that, she lived near Papertown near her daughter.
Mrs. Pfaff was born on March 1, 1934 to Allen Gaskill, a well-known farmer and Georgia (Stoltz) Gaskill, a long-time Wayne County school teacher. Mrs. Pfaff was born at home on the family farm, just south of Keenes. A side note to her birth was she was so ready to be born, that she could not wait until the doctor arrived in his horse and buggy with the midwife. She was born with the help of her mother and a neighbor lady only, as many were back then.
Mrs. Pfaff grew up on that family farm south of Keenes until she left to attend McKendree University in Lebanon, IL for 2 years. She went on to attend Alton Memorial School of Nursing in Alton, IL for 2 years. She later received a Bachelor’s in Nursing (BSN). She returned home and worked for more than 35 years at Fairfield Memorial Hospital as a floor nurse and Nursing Supervisor of Surgery.
On April 2, 1954 she married Robert “Bob” Pfaff, previously of Alton, IL. They were married until his death on February 22, 1999. Together, they held many antique auctions over the years and traveled to flea markets around the country. They also owned a grocery store in Keenes for a time, and Green Acres Kennel where they raised a variety of dogs for sale.
Mrs. Pfaff was a longtime member of the Keenes Missionary Baptist Church. She enjoyed working with the youth at the church in an after-school program and working at Vacation Bible School. She enjoyed going with Women’s Group to the Carmi Baptist Children’s Home and helping with projects there. Mrs. Pfaff truly loved her animals, and often took in orphans. She loved gardening and her yard, and she had just as many indoor plants as she had outdoor plants. She enjoyed crocheting and sewing.
Mrs. Pfaff is survived by her daughter Nancy (Brad) Greenwalt of Keenes, her son Allen (Elaine) Pfaff of Keenes, 4 grandsons: Edmund (Chasity) Pfaff, Jason Pfaff, Rich (Joy) Greenwalt, and Quinton (Tyger) Greenwalt, and 5 great grandchildren.
Funeral services for Edna Emily Pfaff will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at Young Funeral Home in Wayne City, IL with Pastor Kenny Wilson & Pastor Harry Thomason officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Young Funeral Home. Due to inclement weather, there will be no cemetery procession following the service. Interment will take place at a later date at Farnsworth Cemetery, south of Keenes, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the donor’s choice of the following: Keenes Missionary Baptist Church, Farnsworth Cemetery Fund, or to the Baptist Children’s Home.
Online condolences, memories, and words of encouragement may be shared at www.youngfuneralhomellc.com