Connie Rich

Connie Mae Rich, a loving, funny, and spirited soul, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2023, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her beloved family. Born in Crawford County, IL, on January 17, 1947, her 76 years with us exuded a zest for life and was filled to the brim with love for her family and friends. Connie's formative years saw her attending Oblong High School, where her irrepressible spirit and love for life began to blossom. This love for life would continue throughout her career, as she first worked at Tempco Products for many years. She left the area for a time to accompany her husband, Stephen D. Rich, who was serving in the Army, and was able to obtain employment with Marriott while he was stationed. Eventually, the Riches returned to Crawford County and Connie found work at Quail Creek Country Club before health constraints prompted an early retirement.

Possessing a warm and engaging heart, Connie was ever the social butterfly. She held membership with the Flat Rock American Post #132 Ladies Auxiliary and cherished the time she spent socializing with her fellow members. In her younger days, the great outdoors beckoned, as she reveled in searching for arrowheads, fishing, mushroom hunting, and ginseng gathering. As time marched on, her interests expanded to include shopping, playing Bingo, and trying her luck at the riverboat slot machines.

Connie's love for adventure was rivaled only by her devotion to her family. With her kin firmly by her side, she explored this vast world we inhabit through trips to Mount Rushmore, the sandy shores of Florida, and cruises that whisked her away to the exotic locales of Cozumel and Jamaica. Throughout her enchanting journey through life, Connie's distinctive personality shone brightly, with ever-changing hair colors and a growing penchant for tattoos that lasted well into the twilight of her years! Her family frequently marveled at her unique spirit, often wondering, "What is she up to now?" Yet, our hearts were ever full of love for this remarkable woman who infused light and laughter wherever she tread.

In every aspect of her life, be it work, play, or family, Connie Mae Rich shone as a beacon of love and vivacity. Her legacy will forever be etched into the memories of all who were fortunate enough to know her, just as her unforgettable and irreplaceable spirit so richly deserves. And so, we bid adieu to this loving, funny, and spirited soul, a true force of nature whose presence will continue to grace our days through the echoes of laughter and love she leaves in our hearts.

Connie's legacy lives on in the memories and hearts of her children & their spouses, Kelly & Rick Bradberry, Kimberly & Chuck Walker, Kenny & Sue Baud, Kerri & Mike Rimmer, Keith & Sherry Baud, and Matt & Beth Rich; her 19 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-granddaughters; her brothers and sisters & their spouses, Ronald Dunlap, Gloria Meeks, Howard & Kay Dunlap, Rodney Dunlap, Danny & Debbie Dunlap, and Jody & Phillip Tracy; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Brenda Price, David Rich, Roger Stephens, Kim Smith, and John Rich; and the numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins she leaves behind.

While the hearts of her family ache with loss, they are comforted by the knowledge that Connie now rests with those who have gone before her, including her husband of nearly 32 years, Steve Rich; her parents, Kenneth & Marjorie Dunlap; her great-grandson, Lukas Bradberry; her brothers and sisters, Gary & wife Carol Dunlap, Larry Meeks, Lana Dunlap, Janice Stephens, and Gary Rich; and her special friend and the father of her children, Larry Baud.

A time of visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 4th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A funeral service will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday. During the service, family and friends will be given the opportunity to share stories and speak about this dear woman's life. For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service will be available at www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream.

Burial will be in the Shire-Prier Cemetery, rural Oblong, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Lawrence Crawford Association for Exceptional Citizens", with envelopes available at the funeral home.