Holly Ann Storm

CHARLESTON, IL – Holly Ann Storm, age 50 of Charleston, entered her heavenly home while at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana on Sunday, November 25, 2012.  Visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, November 28, 2012 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston.  Services honoring and celebrating her life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 29, 2012 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 2206 4th Street in Charleston with Reverend Walter Carlson officiating.  Interment will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Charleston.  It is requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in her honor be made to Books for Young Readers, which is a fund being established to benefit young readers in the Charleston School District.  Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. 

Holly was born on December 10, 1961 in Springfield, Illinois, a daughter of Morton and Sue (Ratterree) Hoyt.  She married Kevin Storm on June 21, 1986 and they have shared twenty-six years of friendship and marriage.  In addition to Kevin she is survived by her son, Evan Storm; her parents, Morton and Sue Hoyt of Urbana; a brother, Nick Hoyt, also of Urbana; two sisters, Laurel Campbell and husband Mike of Ft. Wayne, Indiana and Karen Lange and husband Rich of LaGrange, Illinois; her mother-in-law, Kay Stoever and husband Larry of Summerfield, Florida; a sister-in-law, Becky Wesch and husband Steve of Arcola, Illinois; brother-in-law, Stuart Storm and wife Wanda of Ft. Myers, Florida; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Bill Storm and an uncle, Bruce Ratterree. 

Holly was a 1980 graduate of Charleston High School and received both her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Eastern Illinois University.  She began her career as a first grade teacher for the Mattoon School District and for the past eleven years she has been employed by the Charleston School District as a Reading Specialist for Mark Twain and Ashmore Schools.  She was also an instructor in the Education Department at Eastern Illinois University.  Holly was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Charleston where she was actively involved with the Education Committee.  She was also a member of the Illinois Teachers Association, the National Education Association, International Reading Association and Choice Literacy. 

Holly radiated true kindness and compassion in all that she did.  She was passionate about her career choice as a teacher and felt a special love for her students.  She was an avid reader and was dedicated and devoted to teaching and sharing her love of reading with her classes.  Holly's talent for decorating was affirmed upon entering their tastefully decorated home and her love for animals was evident in the many pets she so fondly took care of.  She also enjoyed being outdoors, tending her beautiful flower gardens, swimming in the pool, vacationing at the beach, or strolling through Fox Ridge with Kevin on one of their many walks.  Holly appreciated her friends and developed deep and abiding friendships.  But it was always her family which remained her priority and her devotion as a wife and mother was evident - Kevin was the love of her life and Evan her pride and joy. 

Holly lived a life that demonstrated a love and kindness for others that was true and sincere.  She was a role model for many and will always be remembered for the loving and positive ways in which she touched and influenced the lives of her family, friends and students. Click here to view Holly's memorial video.