William “Bill” E. Tooley, age 91, of Flora, Illinois, passed away early Sunday morning, March 31, 2024, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana.

      He was born June 2, 1932, in Sailor Springs.  He was united in marriage to Sara Ruger on May 16, 1959, in Flora, and together they have shared 64 wedding anniversaries. 

      Bill was a faithful member of First Church of God in Flora where he was baptized and contributed his time to several church committees.  He farmed throughout his life on the ground that had been passed down through his family.  He, Sara, and Pam had traveled throughout the U.S. with many memorable trips including to the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and Yosemite National Park.  He also enjoyed camping, especially spending time at Kuhl’s campground, and fishing, and watching St. Louis Cardinal baseball.

      He is survived by his wife: Sara Tooley of Flora; 2 daughters: Brenda (Brian) Streif of Louisville and Pamela Tooley of Flora; granddaughters: Shannon Streif (Mike) of Thornton, Colorado, Victoria Streif-Keele (Grant) of Flora, and Jennifer Streif of Effingham; 2 great-grandsons: Kamden and Ryker Keele; a brother-in-law: Richard Ruger (Johnalee) of Collinsville; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

      He was preceded in death by his mother: Grace Marie (Tooley) Busby; siblings: Margie Durre, Wanda Busby, Wilma Busby, and Willis Busby; father and mother-in-law: Roy and Georgie Ruger; and 6 brothers and sisters-in-law.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Dillman Cemetery, Sailor Springs.  A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday evening at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to First Church of God, March of Dimes, or the Wounded Warrior Project, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com