Irma Dorothea Bigham's Obituary
Irma Dorothea Bigham, age 87, of Vergennes, IL, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2020 at 2:40 p.m. at Pinckneyville Community Hospital, Pinckneyville, IL.
Irma was born on July 27, 1933 in Pinckneyville, a daughter to John Adam and Lorraine (Ballheimer) Engelhardt. On September 27, 1952 Irma married Roy Dean Bigham in Pinckneyville, IL and he preceded her in death on March 6, 2002. She was a homemaker and partner in the family farm. Irma was a member of United Methodist Church, Murphysboro, IL, United Methodist Women, and Home Extension. She was a leader of the SIU International Student Bible Study and a lay speaker in the United Methodist Church. Irma participated in many mission trips through her church and enjoyed walking, dancing, traveling, scrapbooking, embroidering, and cooking. She was cherished by many for her vibrancy, joy in living, and kindness, While she loved traveling the world, she treasured time on the farm and being with her family.
Survivors include her four children, Donald (Gwen) Bigham of Pinckneyville, IL, Allen (Tena) of Carbondale, IL, Jeanne Bigham Heaton of Springfield, IL and Greg (Cheryl) Bigham of Pinckneyville, IL; twelve grandchildren, Sara Bigham, Catlin (Jeana) Bigham, Emma Bigham Lucas Bigham, Jill (Paul) Conrad, Olivia (Kevin) Ryan, Jessica Heaton (fiancé, Daniel Roberts), Mark Heaton, Macy (Ricky) Jaroski, Holly (Ryan) Kinney, Taylor (Lucas) Steele and Grant Bigham; fourteen great-grandchildren, Will, William, Wren, Dean, Coleton, Annabelle, Calvin, Jack, Anna, Campbell, Adalyn, Roman, Hank and Finn; one brother, Francis (Janette) Engelhardt of Naples, FL; one sister, Bernita Wild of Pinckneyville, IL; special friend, Dave Auxier and his children, Randy (Gaye) Auxier and Ann Auxier Bowsher.
She was also preceded in death by her parents.
A graveside service will be held at Galum Presbyterian Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL on Monday, October 5, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend In-Sook Hwang officiating. Interment will be at Galum Presbyterian Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL. The funeral home requests that all attendees please wear a mask and social distancing will be enforced. A video of the service will be available on the Pyatt Funeral Home Facebook page following the service.
Memorial donations may be made to SIU Wesley Foundation, Galum Presbyterian Cemetery, and Camp Restore New Orleans.
What’s your fondest memory of Irma Dorothea?
What’s a lesson you learned from Irma Dorothea?
Share a story where Irma Dorothea's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Irma Dorothea you’ll never forget.
How did Irma Dorothea make you smile?