Wava J. Lantz

Wava J. Lantz, 94, of Monroe Center, Illinois, was born January 11, 1932, and left this world July 8, 2026. She is survived by her son, Brian (Teresa Frisbie) Lantz of Oak Park; daughter, Marcia (Trent) Barnhart of Rockford; and her cherished grandchildren Harrison (Minomi Dharmaratna) Barnhart, Taylor (Ryan) Robotham, Abigail Lantz, Charlotte (Connor Hollander) Lantz, and Austin Barnhart; and by her great- grandchildren Harlan Barnhart and Olivia Robotham. Wava was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Lolan Laverne Lantz, her oldest son, Harlan Craig Lantz, her beloved parents Jay and Gladys (Worden) Smith, and dear brother Loren (Marie Bjorkman) Smith.

Wava spent her entire life in Monroe Center, having grown up on the edge of town in a stately American four-square home on the family's "Tallyllyn Farm" at the east end of Main Street. The family was very close-knit. Her grandmother, Bertha Worden, lived with the family for nine years after her grandfather James died. Her father's parents, who settled the farmstead, lived close by. She graduated from Monroe Center High School and worked at nearly every business in town during her school days. She attended MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois before moving home to take a position at Illinois National Bank.

Lolan and Wava were married September 15, 1951, and lived in Monroe Center just north of Seiple's Grocery until they started farming together, renting Lolan's father's land near Edson and Kilbuck Roads. When the farm was sold in 1959, they moved to their current farm of 64 years on Mulford Road. They retired from farming February 17, 1996.

Wava's greatest joy were her friends and family and she was devoted to the community. She was a life-long member of the Monroe Center Community Church (now called the North Church) where she wrote and printed the church bulletin each Sunday during her early years and served in the Ladies Guild as a member and leader. She prepared and served meals for countless numbers of weddings, anniversaries, funerals and community events together with her friends in the church basement. Together, she and Lolan, who was a charter member of the Lions Club, served the community enthusiastically and with grace for more than 60 years.

The family would like to thank OSF Hospice, with special thanks to Julie Brock RN and Pastor Darren Loeppky. The family also gives special thanks to Wava’s caregiver, Erica who provided loving care and comfort as well as friendship these past few years.

Visitation will be from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM on Thursday, July 16, 2026 with a funeral at 1:00 PM at The North Church in Monroe Center, located at 102 West Street, Monroe Center (next to the fire department and old high school), with Pastor Darren Loeppky of OSF Hospice officiating. Interment will immediately follow at the Monroe Center Cemetery. The family invites everyone back to the North Church basement for coffee and fellowship following the service and interment. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Monroe Center Properties LLC (this is for care of The North Church), Box 36, Monroe Center, IL 61052. It is the family’s wish to ensure for the perpetual care and maintenance of the lighted cross located atop the North Church that was given in their son, Harlan's honor.