Alice O'Leary Obituary

Alice Marie O'Leary, age 91, of Kinmundy, Illinois passed away peacefully at 1:40 pm, Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. 

Alice was born in rural Mason, Illinois on January 18, 1934, the daughter of John and Barbara Marcella (Eident) Kuhlman. She married Michael William O'Leary on December 6, 1951, and they shared 39 years of marriage before he preceded her in death on August 5, 1991. 

Alice dedicated much of her life to the devotion of her family and the hard work of farming. As a farmer's wife, she embraced the joys and challenges of rural life, taking pride in cultivating the land and nurturing her loved ones. Family was the cornerstone of Alice's life; she cherished each moment spent with them, and her love for her family was immeasurable.

Alice's contributions to her community were notable. She was an active member of the Marion County Farm Bureau and the Lioness Club. Her commitment to youth development shone brightly during her time as a 4-H leader for the Meacham Worth While Club, where she inspired young minds to learn the value of hard work and community service.

In addition to her community involvement, Alice had a zest for life that extended beyond her roles. She found joy in dancing and took pleasure in traveling, particularly on memorable trips to Branson with her daughter, Karen. Her love for games was well-known, and Alice was always ready for a friendly game of cards, bringing people together in laughter and camaraderie, and Alice was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan hardly ever missing a game when they played. Alice was a long-time member of the Brown Christian Church, Kinmundy. 

Alice is survived by her children: Karen (Allen) Ritter of Xenia, Michael (Anita) O'Leary of Kinmundy, Marcie (Neal) Smith of Salem; 12 grandchildren: Brandon Ritter, Breanna Engel, Erin Engel, Beth Durbin, Dr. Pam Milano, Eric Smith, Janelle Smith, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Smith, Luke O'Leary, Will O'Leary, Rachel O'Leary, Macy O'Leary; 28 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; her siblings: Gerald (Judy) Kuhlman of Mason, Dewey Dean Kuhlman of Effingham, Sharon Jones of Farina, Linda Edwards of Effingham, Judy (Danny) Austin of Mason; sister-in-law: Marilyn O'Leary of Edgewood; and many nieces and nephews; special caregivers: Alice Ashley, and Shirley Depew. 

In addition to her husband, Alice was preceded in death by her parents; son: Patrick Kevin O'Leary; 4 great-grandchildren; siblings: Junior Kuhlman, Norma Jean VanMater, Mary Carpenter, John Kuhlman, Emma Jean Austin, Carol Ann Fancher. 

Funeral services to celebrate Alice's life will be held at 10:00 am, Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at the Brown Christian Church, Kinmundy with Rusty Courson officiating, burial will follow at the Edgewood Cemetery, Edgewood, Illinois. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening at the church from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm, and then on Wednesday morning from 9:00 to 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Alice's memory to either St. Jude’s Children's Research Hospital or Oil Belt Christian Service Camp. 

The McGriff Funeral Home in Kinmundy is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or to share a memory or story of Alice, please visit www.mcgriffandtriplettfh.com.