Florence Hobbs

January 15, 1934 - January 7, 2019

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Florene Ilene Hobbs on January 7th, 2019. She was 84 years of age when she passed in her home in Cave-In-Rock, IL. surrounded by her loved ones. Born January 15th, 1934, in Elgin, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Loyd William and Edna (Heine) Johnson. She spent her life in Elgin until deciding to relocate to southern Illinois around the age of 30. She loved the slow pace of life and the connections she made here. Florence always felt that her purpose in life was to have and love her children. She gave her love freely and without complaint. She was a mother, a teacher, a counselor to anyone in need. Right up until she became less able to get around, Flo was full of joy and always eager to help out, especially at the park restaurant. She would be the first smiling face you see when you walked in the door, sitting at the first table doing “her job”, rolling silverware. As her health kept her more at home, she would often be watching her westerns, Gun Smoke and Walker Texas Ranger. Flo rededicated her life to the Lord on December 14th, 2018. Florence is survived by one son Ralph Toppel and his wife Nancy of Elgin, IL., and five daughters, Marcia Wardlow of Benton, KY, Debbie Smith of Elizabethtown, Robin Foster of Nashville, TN., Regina Tolbert of Cave-In-Rock, Kim McDowell and Marty Kaylor of Cave-In-Rock. She is also survived by three siblings, Margret Merritt of FL., Joyce Hansen of Elgin, IL., and Rose Keller of Elgin, IL. as well as 9 grandchildren and their spouses, Steven and Rebecca Wardlow, Angie and Bernie Johnson, DeWayne and Amanda Hobbs, Tonya and Chris Walker, Jerry and Stacey Foster, Chynae and Chance Kilgour, Tamara Cox, John and Ashley Tolbert and Kelsey and Evan Boucher. She left behind 13 beautiful great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Florence is preceded in death by her parents, one brother George Johnson, one daughter, Rebecca, three son-in-laws, Digger Wardlow, Johnny Smith, and Bill Tolbert, and one great-granddaughter, Haeliegh Grace Burton. Flo will be affectionately remembered by her family and all who loved her. Services are scheduled for 2:00 pm Saturday, January 12, 2019 at Potters Church in Cave-In-Rock, IL. Family will receive visitors 12:00 pm until service time at the church. Burial will be at Cave Hill Cemetery.