Daphne L. Fearday (102) of Effingham

Daphne L. Fearday, 102, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024 at her home.

As per Daphne’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. There will be no public services or visitation. Burial at Hillcrest Cemetery in Centralia will be held at a later date. Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here. 

Daphne was born on November 12, 1922 in Centralia, IL, the firstborn child of Paul and Lydia (Rebstock) Koester, and was baptized, confirmed, and married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia. She married J. Howard Gregory on November 30, 1941 and to this union, two daughters were born. Daphne moved to Effingham in 1961 after purchasing Reaban’s Drive-in with her then husband, M. H. Knicker. She owned and operated the restaurant for 13 years before retiring. Since 1983, Daphne had enjoyed spending her winters in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. She also enjoyed dancing, playing cards and bingo, as well as gardening. Daphne liked to stay busy and had attention to detail. She was a strongwilled and very determined person. Daphne was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Shumway, IL.

Daphne is survived by her daughters, Alice Carolyn (Elvan) Wallace and K. Darlene (T. Keith, deceased) Bishop; grandchildren, Sean (Michelle) Wallace and their sons, Logan and Landon; Rachel (husband, Shawn Laughlin) Wallace; T. Kent (Niki) Bishop and their son, Kade; and Alex (Stephanie) Bishop and their daughter, Molly.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a stillborn son in 1943; sisters, Alice Grace Koester and Rachel Clifton; and brothers, Paul Koester Jr. and John Koester.