Harriet J. Kincheloe

Harriet Jeanette Kincheloe passed away at 10:20 am on February 10, 2014 at Colonial Manor Nursing Home.  She was 99 years old. She is laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Cemetery, Danville, Illinois.

Harriet was born September 18, 1914 in Ottawa, Illinois the only child of Berkley (Buck) and Harriet (Hattie) Plok Hawley.  She married John Rigden Kincheloe August 4, 1939. Her beloved husband, who worked at the Illinois Power Company for 26 years, preceded her in death on August 20, 1971.  They were married for 32 years.

In her childhood Harriet loved visiting her cousin’s farm and riding their pony. In her teens she loved dancing, especially ballet.  After high school she graduated in 1936 from LaSalle-Peru-Oglesby Junior College with a teaching certificate and later attended Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois.  Her first teaching job was in a one-room country school where there was no plumbing and no heat, so Harriet filled a milk can with water every day and brought it to school for their water supply.  On cold days, students happily helped her start a fire in the stove to keep the one room school cozy and warm.

In 1945, Harriet and John moved to Danville where, in 1954, she became a homebound teacher for regular and special education students  for Danville School District 118, a position she held until 1997. It was here she met her very good friends, Irma and Don Cordes, whose son she taught for an extended period when he was unable to attend school. Their friendship continued throughout Harriet’s life.

Harriet had many friends, one of whom was Mike Mains, who was not only her financial advisor, but who was also there to celebrate birthdays and special occasions with her.

Harriet loved to travel and visited Mexico, the Panama Canal, Italy, Germany, and many other European countries.   

Harriet lived the last 14 years of her life at Liberty Estates Independent Living.  The friendships she made, the activities she participated in, and the staff were all very important to her.  She taught the exercise class most of her years at Liberty Estates.  She also enjoyed showing the apartments to future residents, playing cards and playing bingo.  Harriet attended the Danville United Church of Christ.

Harriet is survived by her three sons -- John (and Sue) Kincheloe of Yakima, Washington, Jerry (and Carolyn) Kincheloe of Madera, California, and Brent (and Rita) Kincheloe of Champaign, Illinois.

She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Benjamin Kincheloe (and Janel) of Nampa, ID, Alan Kincheloe (and Alejandra) of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, Corina Douglas (and Eric) of Los Gatos, CA, Heather Caraccilo (and Jeff) of Fresno, CA, Christopher Kincheloe (and Kathryn) of Alexandria, VA, Joseph Kincheloe of Champaign, IL, and Patrick Kincheloe of Champaign, IL.

She is also survived by nine great-grandchildren:  Ethan, Elijah, Evan, Elliott, Nicholas, Lucas, Claire, Mia and Ella.

Harriet will be remembered for her love of friends and family, her energy, her positive attitude and her enthusiasm for life.  

A memorial service is being held Saturday, July 26 at Liberty Estates beginning at 1:30 pm.  Remembrances can be made to the American Heart Association or donor’s favorite charity.

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