It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Edna “Tiny” Skinner, 101, of Forrest, IL. Tiny passed peacefully and joined Jesus on April 13, 2024 in Bloomington IL. Tiny was beloved by her surviving family, daughter Tarry (John) Plattner of Normal, grandsons Darren (Heather) Plattner of Hudson Il, and Craig (Katie) Plattner of Normal. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren: Abby Plattner, Jordan Plattner, Brady Plattner, Lydia Plattner, and Ava Plattner.
Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 22nd, 2024, at the Forrest United Methodist Church. The visitation will be one hour prior to the service, beginning at 10:00 AM, also at the church. Burial will follow at Pleasant Ridge Twp. Cemetery. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury is assisting with arrangements. The family asks, if you are so moved, donations may be made to the Forrest United Methodist Church.
Tiny was born on March 8th, 1923 in Owosso, Michigan to George and Winifred Moore. She spent most of her life in central IL in the Forrest and Wing area. She married Shorty Skinner on Oct 15th, 1945 less than a week after he arrived home from serving in WWII. They were joyfully married 52 years. Tiny loved their years together and shared interests in big band music dancing, an active church life, hosting and giving parties, and extensive traveling to all 50 states and overseas. After 7 years of farming and a move to Forrest, in 1961, she began her 25 year career as Purchasing Secretary at the Nicols/Homeshield plant in Chatsworth, IL
Tiny was preceded in death by her husband Elvin “Shorty” Skinner, parents, and siblings.
Tiny had a passion for needlework and crafting with her sister, Alice Haab. She personally designed and hand quilted over a dozen quilts and hundreds of artistic crocheted items she loved to gift to her family and friends.
Tiny was a dedicated friend to many and still at age 100 especially loved her time and support from a daily morning coffee gang and fun with 5 card game groups. She was a loyal member of the Forrest United Methodist Church for 71 years, serving on many committees and events. She often spoke of being blessed by the support, prayers, and cards from her church family.
Giving to others was central to how Tiny lived. She gave over 100 crocheted baby blankets, scarves, and lap robes to people in need; taught Sunday School for over 25 years, lined up monthly volunteers for the local food pantry; organized church friends to do a portrayal of “Women of the Bible” using a narrative she wrote on each woman and then they shared it at many churches. At age 98 she took homecooked meals to neighbors. With Shorty they created a community-wide Senior Citizen Club. They planned and organized cruises and vacations and then invited 20 couples to come along.
Tiny was continually asked her secret for her 101 years of living life so well. She frequently said she was so blessed and we must have gratitude, love God, love a warm-hearted man, stay surrounded by family and friends, and get up each day with a purpose and do it. She inspired many.
Her unconditional love will live on and we cherish the special place in our hearts always reserved for just Tiny. She was an inspiration and we are grateful for these many 101 years but it still wasn’t long enough!
The family’s gratitude is extended to the Martin Health Care and Transitions Hospice staff.
