Margaret Eileen Bex

Margaret Eileen Bex, 88, of Palestine, IL, died Thursday, February 4, 2016 in Newton, IL. She was born May 17, 1927 in Robinson, IL, the daughter of John W. Badgley & Dorothy Ellen Crail Badgley, both of whom preceded her in death. Eileen was also preceded in death by her husband, Ray C. Bex on June 7, 1982; by her grandsons, Jacob Wipf, Connor Bex, and Isaac Bex; by her brothers and sisters: Juanita Faith, Robert Badgley, Eugene Badgley, Wanda Bullock, Carol Smith, Kay Badgley, and Shirley Ann Carver; and recently by her son, William Lee “Bill” Bex. She is survived by her children & their spouses, Sally & Lanny Hoke (Palestine, IL), Dottie Bex (Palestine, IL), and Joseph & Linda Bex (Nixa, MO); by seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. Eileen learned the value of hard work from an early age. She was raised on the family farm, where there was always plenty of work to be done. Years later, she put her work ethic to use in a number of jobs, namely with Heath, Roots, and Victor Dana. Even after she clocked out, she wasn’t one to slow down and kept busy working in her garden and baking cakes. Eileen was active in a number of organizations, including Project Linus and the Palestine First United Methodist Church. She will long be remembered for living selflessly, and with dedication. A dual visitation will be held alongside her son, Bill Bex from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Monday, February 8th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will follow and will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Tohill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to COTA (Children's Organ Transplant Association) in honor of Gannon Wilkins, Margaret’s great-grandson, who is awaiting heart transplant. Visit www.COTAforGannonW to donate, or checks can be made payable to 'COTA' noting in memo of check 'In honor of Gannon Wilkins'.