Connie M. Blickenstaff, 81, of Cerro Gordo, IL, passed away on Saturday, June 18, 2016 in her residence.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 23, at La Place Church of the Brethren. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Cerro Gordo, IL. Burial will be in Cerro Gordo Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Cerro Gordo American Legion Auxiliary.

Connie was born March 19, 1935, in rural Hammond, IL, the daughter of Willard Driver and Margaret Grace (Arnold) Cripe. She married Irwin “Bud” Blickenstaff on February 26, 1952, in La Place, IL.

Connie was a member of La Place Church of the Brethren, Cerro Gordo Senior Women’s Club, American Legion Auxiliary 117, and Royal Neighbor Club - Cerro Gordo Chapter. She previously worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Kamys in Cerro Gordo. Connie and her husband Bud were antique dealers for 50 years and enjoyed traveling to Texas since 1990. She was an avid Cardinal fan and enjoyed flower gardening and reading.

Surviving are her husband of 64 years: Bud of Cerro Gordo, children: Rhonda (Bruce) Kaylor of Decatur, IL, Steve (Mylinda) Blickenstaff of Bement, IL, Mike Blickenstaff of Mattoon, IL, and Carol (Ed) Anderson of Mt. Pulaski, IL; 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; sisters: June Colon of Raleigh, NC, and Joyce (Terry) Hague of Edmond, OK; brother: Gene Cripe of Phoenix, AZ; several nieces and nephews.

Connie was preceded in death by her parents and brother Bruce Cripe.

Condolences may be left to the family in care of Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home at www.brintlingerandearl.com.