Flora M. Tolar, age 86, a resident of Bolingbrook, IL, died July 20, 2019, at Seasons Hospice in Chicago, Illinois. She was born May 1, 1933 in Oxford, Mississippi to John and Edith Keel. She married Albert W. "Bill" Tolar at the age of 16 in Clarksdale, Mississippi in 1949. Flora and Bill had two children (Ann & John) before moving to the Chicago area in 1954. Upon settling in Chicago, they had two daughters (Ramona "Cookie" & Joy).

Flora was a wonderful cook and was exceptional at embroidery quilting, crocheting & knitting. She was an avid reader; enjoyed crossword puzzles, Scrabble & canasta; and loved following her family genealogy. She was a VERY HANDS ON grandmother to David, Greg, Rachel & Brandon, spending a lot of time with them, teaching them how to fish & enjoy nature.

In 1988, Flora and Bill moved back to Mississippi where she gardened and canned her own vegetables and jellies, especially kudzu. Flora was known as the "kudzu queen" in the South. Flora wrote a monthly article for the Panolian, a local newspaper, highlighting local events, interesting stories, & other various tidbits of information happening in the Batesville, Mississippi area.

After returning to Illinois in 2000, Flora was developing a great skill at being an artist in painting and drawing.

Flora spent most of her life as a care giver. She cared for her own mother before her death, then cared for her daughter, Ramona, after being diagnosed with cancer. She also particularly enjoyed caring for her great-grandson, Raziel.

Flora shared her talents & friendship with many, and she will be missed by the people whose lives she touched.

Survived by her daughters Ann (Eddie) Leonard and Ramona (Robert) Piske; granddaughter Rachel Gunther; grandsons David Piske, Gregory (Natalie) Piske and Brandon Piske; great grandson Raziel Gunther; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Flora is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Roberta, who faithfully visited her every week; and Flora's "adopted son", Carl (Char) Marshall. Both Roberta and Carl helped care for Flora near the end of her life.

Preceded in death by her husband Albert W. "Bill" Tolar; her daughter Joy D. Tolar; her son John S. Tolar; her sisters Kay (late Robert) Stowell, Ruby (late William) Doyle, and Dorothy (late Robert) Hawks; and her brother Lawrence "Sonny" Keel.

A Celebration of Flora's life will be held Saturday, August 10, 2019, at 4:30 p.m. at Flora's home. Interment will be private at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.