Mary Birkla, 53, of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 13, 2021, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 3, 1968 in Mount Carmel, the daughter of Joseph and Diane Mae (Moore) Birkla.

Mary worked in the food service industry along with home health services. She belonged to the V.F.W. and Eagles auxiliary and was employed at both establishments. Mary took on many tasks, becoming known as a “jack of all trades”, never giving up until she got it right. Mary loved cooking for others and considered it her love language.

She enjoyed being outdoors, fishing, listening to music and spending time with family and friends. Mary is remembered by her loved ones as a bingo enthusiast. She was of the Pentecostal faith and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Mary will be remembered by her daughter, Deanna (John Duncan) Birkla; sons, Shawn Smith, Bruce Smith, and Andrew (Farrah) Smith; grandchildren, Eli, Travis, Taylor, Chase, Aden, and Riley Smith; siblings, Bill (Michelle) Birkla, Jim (Chris) Birkla, Darryl King, JoAnn Birkla, Betty (Wesley Sanders) Ellis, Laura Zabloudil and Jamie Linson; loving companion, Randy Batterton; many loved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Corrina Coleman; two nephews; one great nephew; and one great niece.

Funeral Services will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, December 17, 2021, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home with Pastor Daniel Moore officiating. Burial will follow at Harrison Cemetery in Wabash County, Illinois.

Family and friends may gather for a Visitation from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Friday, December 17, 2021, in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home.

Social distancing, wearing of face coverings and use of hand sanitizer is recommended.

Memorial contributions may be made to Keepes Funeral Home to help the family offset final expenses.

Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Mary’s tribute wall, leave condolences and purchase flowers for the family, please visit www.KeepesFuneralHome.com.