Published on December 31, 2025 3:52 pm
Last Updated on December 31, 2025 3:52 pm
Lenora Mae Shamhart, age 87, of Newton, Illinois, formerly of Chicago and Hoffman Estates, Illinois, passed away at 12:50 PM – Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, Illinois.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM – Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Meyer Funeral Home, 307 West Jourdan Street, Newton, Illinois. The service celebrating Lenora’s life will be held at 10:00 AM – Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the funeral home, with Mike Knepper officiating. Burial will be in the Bailey Cemetery west of Latona, Illinois. In loving memory of Lenora, memorials may be made to the Jasper County Cancer Support Fund, PO Box 333, Newton, Illinois 62448. The obituary can be viewed and condolence left at www.meyerfh.com.
Lenora was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1938, at the family home in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Thomas Roscoe and Lillian G. (Gallett) Hughes. She married Warren Leroy Shamhart on March 23, 1957, at Saint James Lutheran Church in Chicago, Illinois, and he preceded her in death on February 5, 2011. Lenora was a member of the Jasper County Women’s Club and HEAA. She enjoyed fishing, crocheting, bead work, crafts and bowling on local leagues.
Lenora is survived by: Children – Janine (John) Leonard of Island Lake, Illinois; Michael Shamhart of Newton, Illinois; John (Tula) Shamhart of Abilene, Kansas; and Marcus Shamhart (David Sydor) of Newton, Illinois; Grandchildren – Tim McKinney, Andrea Leonard (Christopher Klein), Shilo Shamhart, Jacklyn (Perry) Pierce, Danielle Shamhart, Larren Leonard, John Thomas Shamhart (Shelby Godbout) and Lisa Wilson; Great Grandchildren – Courtney McKinney, Carter Lincoln, Oliver Pierce, Brielle Ruehlen, Rush Ruehlen, Gianna Ruehlen, Eloise Pierce, Aria Shamhart, Valerie Pierce, Mya Klein and Milo Kein; Sister – Sandra (George) Kempinski of Wausaukee, Wisconsin.
Lenora was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brothers Ernest and Thomas Hughes.