Cynthia L. Lawder

CYNTHIA L. LAWDER, 84, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 11:35 am, Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, Illinois.

She was born to the late William “Jim” Phelps and Marjorie (nee Dial) Crawford on February 25, 1941 in Murphysboro, Illinois.

Cynthia married Shelby Lawder on June 6, 1980 in Chester, Illinois; he preceded her in death on January 20, 2013.

She was owner/partner of Southern Illinois Sand Company.

Cynthia was a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Chester. She was very involved in the community and was a member of the Randolph County Historical Society, Chester Rotary, Chester High School Class of 1959 Reunion Committee, Chester Beautification Committee and the Chester Women’s Club. Cynthia was also a life member and the current treasurer of Alpha Upsilon Master, Beta Sigma Phi and served on the board of the Chester Country Club.

Survivors:

   2 Children: 

        Stephanie Koontz Charlotte, NC

        Phil (Renee) Ernst Austin, TX

   1 Step Daughter: 

        Holly (Fred) Lawder-Chen Scottsdale, AZ

   6 Grandchildren: 

        McKenzie (Brian) Davis, Ashley (Monica) Ernst, Shelby (Wes) Vance, Amanda Ernst (Blake Moss), Chase Ernst and Abby Chen

   2 Great Grandchildren: 

        Cameron, Brooks and Cooper

Preceded in Death by: Parents, Husband and 1 Sister – Carole Crawford

Funeral Service: 

   11:00 am, Saturday, May 24, 2025

   First Presbyterian Church, Chester, Illinois

Officiating: 

   Rev. Sam Roethemeyer

Interment: 

   Ebenezer Cemetery

   Rockwood, Illinois

Visitation: 

   Saturday – 9:00 am – 11:00 am

   First Presbyterian Church, Chester, Illinois

Memorials: 

   Ebenezer Memorial Cemetery