Martha "Emily" Lesher

1939 - 2025

Martha "Emily" Lesher

July 28, 1939 - July 4, 2025

NORMAL - Martha "Emily" Lesher, age 85, of Normal, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025, at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, Ill.

Funeral services for Emily Lesher will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home in Bloomington, Ill. Visitation will take place at the funeral home prior to the service, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. A private burial service will follow at Funks Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Emily's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Ruby's Rescue & Retreat, or The Salvation Army.

Emily was born on July 28, 1939, in Funks Grove, Ill., the daughter of Roy G. and Elzora P. McCombs. She married Gary Lesher on October 17, 2003, in Bloomington. He preceded her in death on May 12, 2024.

She is survived by her children, Debby (Mike) Wochholz of Florida, Denise (Dave) Gannon of Bloomington, Scott Hunter of Bloomington, and Jamie (Ike) Barlow of Normal; her sister, Eva Starkey of Bloomington; and her brother, Roy Jr. (Pat) McCombs of Normal.

Emily was a devoted grandmother to nine grandchildren, Bradley (Kim) Wochholz, Beren (Ashlee) Wochholz, Cody (Shari) Kirk, Jon (Megan) Gannon, Emily (Steve) Holcomb, Dani Ward, Brice Ward, Nick Barlow and Sophie Barlow. She was also a proud great-grandmother to nine great-grandchildren, Caiden Kirk, Reese Wochholz, Zoe Wochholz, Addison Kirk, Henry Holcomb, Cameron Wochholz, Jack Gannon, Jovie Gannon, and Elzora Holcomb.

She was lovingly known as "Auntie Em" to many nieces and nephews.

Emily also loved, and was loved by her husband Gary's children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family.

Emily was preceded in death by her parents and her grandson, Ben Gannon.

She was a graduate of Normal Community High School and attended schools in the Bloomington/Normal area. Over the years, she worked at Eureka Williams, a Realtor at Century 21, and at Country Financial.

Emily found her greatest joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was deeply loved by all who knew her. She had a passion for gardening, especially planting flowers, and loved being outdoors. She enjoyed listening to country music and playing the "2:00 games" with her friends at the Villas of Normal.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the Cardiology/Cath Lab and Hospice teams at Carle BroMenn Medical Center for their compassionate care and support during Emily's final days.