Willadene Youngquist, 91, of Monmouth, formerly of Cameron, IL, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Monmouth Nursing Home surrounded by her loving family.
She was born on February 24, 1934, in Monmouth, IL, the daughter of Burnill and Florence (Parrish) Sprout. She was raised and educated in rural Monmouth, she attended Muddy Corners School and graduated from Monmouth High School in 1952.
Willadene married Ronald W. Youngquist on November 9, 1952 at the Fairview Center United Methodist Church. He preceded her in death on March 6, 2012.
Willadene drove a school bus for Cavanaugh Bus Service for several years. She then worked at Gale Products in Galesburg for a time. Willadene later worked at the Monmouth Secretary of State DMV Office for 18 years until her retirement. She played the organ at Cameron Christian Church for over 60 years and the piano for Sunday School and also served as an Elder. Willadene later became a member of the First United Methodist Church in Monmouth. She was a die-hard Warren Warrior & United Red Storm sports fan. Willadene was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and loved watching NBA basketball. She was a seamstress for over 70 years which included sewing several wedding gowns, Halloween costumes, and clothes for her family. She was the unofficial seamstress for the Warren & United athletic department and sewed many cheerleading uniforms and letterman jackets for kids. Willadene and several of their close friends enjoyed their Supper Club gatherings for over 50 years. She was an excellent cook and baker and enjoyed cooking for her family. Willadene loved to garden and teach others about gardening, and loved to share what she grew with others out of her “community garden”.
Surviving Willadene are two daughters, Ronadene (Bill) Bogener of Rio, IL, and Annie Christian of Monmouth, IL; her grandchildren, Travis (Michelle) Bogener of St. Louis Park, MN, Janet Nowicki (Tom) of Yorkville, IL, Jamie (Katrina) Christian of Franklin, TN, Eric Christian of Monmouth, IL, Justine Christian of Los Angeles, CA, Breanna (Corey) Todd of Monmouth, IL, Zack (Jaclyn) Youngquist of Monmouth, IL, Hannah (Ben) Dingman of Rock Island, IL, Carissa (Preston) Powell of Overland Park, KS; her great-grandchildren, Tommy, Joey, Vinny, Charley, Jadyn, Kennedi, Presley, Ean, Garrison, Sullivan, Charlotte, Maxwell, Vaeyah, Archer, and Eloise. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Steven Youngquist; daughter-in-law, Christine Youngquist; and son-in-law, Gary Christian.
Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 15, 2025 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Interment will be in Silent Home Cemetery, Cameron, IL. Visitation will be prior to the service from 9:30-11 a.m. at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to Hospice Compassus, First United Methodist Church of Monmouth, and the Monmouth Nursing Home and can be sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.