Reva Kaufman

PEKIN, Ill. -- Reva E. "Toots" Kaufman, 81, of Pekin passed away Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at Pekin Hospital.

She was born June 4, 1929, in McClure, Ill., to John and Lena Mainer Colyer. She married James Albert "Pepper" Kaufman on Sept. 16, 1948, in Piggott, Ark. He died Feb. 18, 2002.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and five sisters.

Surviving are three daughters, Karen (Fred) Brust of Peoria, Ill., Linda (Al) Behm of North Pekin, Ill., Debbie (Hollis) Bond of Las Cruces, N.M.; a son, James Scott Kaufman of Creve Coeur, Ill.; five grandchildren, Stefanie (Alan) Angelo, James (Jamie) Nelson and Amy Behm, all of Pekin, David Lake of Dallas and Jesse (Jessica) Kaufman of Las Vegas; 12 great-grandchildren; a sister, R. JoAnn Colyer Toler of Cape Girardeau; many nieces and nephews.

Reva worked 13 years at Rankin School District 98 in rural Pekin, retiring in 1992 as the head cook. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Pekin and Herget Bank Funtimers group. She had been a volunteer at Pekin Township.

Reva was an accomplished seamstress and cook. She enjoyed her time with her beloved Pepper, their children, grandchildren and many friends. She and Pepper enjoyed their many travels with Peoria Charter Coach and Presley Tours.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes and Crematory in Pekin.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday at the funeral home, with Michael McLeod officiating. Burial will be in Woodrow Cemetery in rural Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 921 Caroline Street, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com.