Louise Jean Buhlig | 91 | Roodhouse

Louise Jean (Rawlins) Buhlig, 91, of Roodhouse passed away Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. She was born in White Hall, Greene County, Illinois on Monday, Oct. 30, 1933, the first child of Eugene Crist (Ira Eugene and Fannie Crist Rawlins) and Beulah Naomi Brickey (Denton and Olevia Anderson Brickey) Rawlins. She married Charles Ray Buhlig on April 1, 1968, in Springfield, Sangamon County, Illinois.Mrs. Buhlig is survived by three sons, Dirk Rawlins Buhlig (wife Julia) of Argenta, Tadd Brickey Buhlig (Tami Winters) of Woodson and Clark Crist Buhlig of Roodhouse; one daughter, Gretchen Louise Buhlig (Kerry Elliott) of Roodhouse. Seven grandchildren: Sophia Buhlig, Charley (Bryce) Cook, Katelyn Buhlig, Dirk Buhlig II, Elleigh Buhlig, Addison Buhlig and Beau Buhlig. Two step grandchildren: Heather (Jason) Black and Zachary (Kylee Ruble) Deshasier; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Karen Adele Rawlins Lane of Clarksville, IN; one niece, Natalie (Chris) Adele Lane Clark of Rochester, MN.
She was preceded in death by her paren; husband, Charles Ray Buhlig; brother-in-law, Robert Lee Lane; and niece, Cassie Louise Lane Berry.
Mrs. Buhlig attended Bending Oak country school for eight years (the same grade school attended by her parents and grandparents, originating on land donated by her ancestors). She graduated in 1951 from Roodhouse Community High School where she was active in vocal music and was a “Railroader” cheerleader. She had been employed with the State of Illinois as a secretary, retiring from the Jacksonville Developmental Center in 1995. She also held employment with the Department of Children & Family Services, the Department of Aging at Tri County Counseling Center, and the Department of Commerce, helping with the census in 1970 and 1980.
Mrs. Buhlig was of the Lutheran faith. She was a member at large of DAR, and the charter registrar for Apple Creek Prairie Chapter DAR.  She was a lifetime member of the NRA and Jacksonville Senior Center; other memberships include the ISRA and Farm Bureau as well as a supporter of the VFW and numerous civic organizations and events.
Mrs. Buhlig enjoyed raising her children, often making the following  remarks: “I knew God truly loved me and thought I was of value three special times in my life – when He gave me a baby sister, when He entrusted me to share the rearing of four wonderful children, and, when He gave me grandchildren.” “When my children were all small, it was the busiest and very best time of my life; finally I was not lonesome.” She enjoyed history, world events, genealogy, family history and felt a great connection to the ancestors who sacrificed to provide the life she enjoyed.  Both her paternal and maternal ancestors had immigrated to the area during the early 1800’s. She felt great pride in her family history and was delighted to have a family connection to Abraham Lincoln through the Hanks family. She was the family historian able to recite stories concerning each line of her family, the good and the bad.  Her later years were spent delighting in her grandchildren and enjoying the season changes. She enjoyed bird and animal watching and raising poultry and livestock.  She was proud to be a landowner and appreciated all it entailed and provided. It saddened her to see the land degradation and worried how the family farmer would continue to exist and provide food for the world. During her entire life she spent many hours “behind the wheel” of almost “anything” as she received great enjoyment from “cruising” as did her father.  Her favorite holiday and season was Halloween; she often spoke of good memories helping with the harvest and walking throughout the countryside with her father (his idea) “playing tricks” on the neighbors and relatives.
No public services will be observed per her request. Burial will be at Fernwood Cemetery in Roodhouse. Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Roodhouse is in charge of the arrangements.  Memorials in her honor may be made to an organization of choice that benefits children and sent to Airsman-Hires Funeral Home, 234 N. Main St. , White Hall, IL 62092. Or, you may perform a random act of kindness or take the time to reconnect with an old friend. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.