Mrs. Florence "Ann" Guidinger

Mrs. Florence 'Ann" Guidinger, 76, of Rio, Illinois, passed comfortably on September 28, 2023 with her family present. She endured Huntington's disease with an immense amount of strength, and chose to focus on the positive aspects of life, doing what she loved as her body was able.
Ann was born in Nauvoo, Alabama, on October 5, 1946 to beloved parents W. Arthur and Addie L. (Harris) Borden. She married George Guidinger August 21, 1971, and they recently celebrated their 52nd. Wedding anniversary.
She is survived by her husband, George; a daughter, Tara Guidinger of Rio; son, Todd Guidinger of Wilmington, IL; sisters, Willie Nix and Liz Gruber of Jasper, Alabama; grandchildren, Emily, Sophia and Cooper; niece, Janet Burhop; nephews, Brandon and Eddie Burhop. She was preceded in death by her parents, father and mother in-law, George and Leila and a sister in-law Sally Daniels.
Ann grew up on the cherished family farm and graduated from Carbon Hill High School in 1964. She attended Walker Junior College in Jasper, Alabama, followed by the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa before moving to Galesburg, Illinois in 1967. She worked for Gates Rubber Co. for 13 years. She then chose to spend ten years at home with the kids before returning to work and opening Midwest Human Resources Inc. in 1988. She worked until 2018, even as the disease progressed.
Ann loved gardening and canning fruits and vegetables and flowers. She often cooked large southern-style meals for loved ones, which included fried okra and collards. She was an avid traveler and often spoke of her adventures, especially to Africa. She loved her pets Molly, Abbey, Ella, Winston and Walter. Collected antiques and belonged to the Women's Club in Rio.
She gave her all to those she loved and was strong in her battle with the disease. George was her caretaker and Tara moved in to help in 2019. She mentioned her appreciation of this and Todd often. She adored her children, especially her grandchildren, Emily, Sophia and Cooper and her Nephews, Brandon and Eddie.
Burial will be held privately in Jasper, Alabama. Memorials may be made to Huntington 's disease Society of America Illinois Chapter or for Visual Arts Scholarship at Mercer County High School in Aledo, Illinois. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
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