Yvonne Louise (Novak) Mowrer Williams, age 82

February 18, 1943 – December 16, 2025

Yvonne Louise (Novak) Mowrer Williams, age 82, of Effingham, Illinois, and formerly of Olney, Illinois, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at 10:50 PM on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Odd Fellow Rebekah Home in Mattoon, Illinois.

A service celebrating Louise's life will be held at 12:00 PM (Noon) – Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois, with Tom Matson officiating.  The burial will be in the Bailey Cemetery west of Latona, Illinois.  A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 AM, until service time.  The obituary can be viewed and condolence left at www.meyerfh.com .

Louise was born on February 18, 1943, in Olney, Illinois, the beloved daughter of Stanley and Geneva (Coplea) Novak. On May 4, 1959, she married Kenneth Leo Mowrer, beginning a life devoted to family, faith, and partnership. Kenneth preceded her in death on June 21, 1989.
Louise worked alongside her husband at Leo's Texaco, where she assisted in many ways, including bookkeeping, contributing greatly to the success of the family business. She later managed Needle Woman Fabric in Olney for many years, where her creativity, attention to detail, and warm personality were well known. She was a proud graduate of Olney Central College, earning an Associate Degree in Business.
A woman of strong faith, Louise was a devoted member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Olney and found comfort and community in her faith throughout her life.

Louise was a member of TOPS/KOPS and enjoyed quilting, sewing, knitting, and reading.  Her handcrafted treasures she gifted to her family and friends, and they often fought over who got which one.  Above all else, she treasured time spent with her family. Her children, grandchildren, and extended family were the center of her world, and she took great joy in each generation that followed.

She is survived by her loving children: Cathy Sparks of Effingham, Illinois; Tony (Sue) Mowrer of Paxton, Illinois; Matt (Rhonda) Mowrer of Arlington, Texas; and Steve (Angie) Mowrer of Paxton, Illinois.

She is also survived by grandchildren Mandy (Gary) Rieman of Wheeler, Illinois; Justin Scott of Paxton, Illinois; Ashley Sager (special friend Doug) of Olney, Illinois; Tyler Mowrer and Spencer Mowrer both of Arlington, Texas; Stephen Mowrer of Paxton, Illinois; Christopher (Liz) Mowrer of Paxton, Illinois; Rachael (Landon) Richardson of Loda, Illinois; Michael Mowrer of Rantoul, Illinois, Alicia (Ryan) Grace of Woodlawn, Tennessee; Thomas Shaw of Riverside, California; Anne (Ramon) Almaraz of San Diego, California; Alexandra Shaw of San Diego, California; Amelia Shaw of San Diego, California; Amanda Shaw of Seattle, Washington; Jason (Alison) Neff of Champaign, Illinois; Levi Neff of Peoria, Illinois; Dalton (Natalie) Neff of Wasilla, Alaska; great-grandchildren Paige, Brandon, Jordyn, Gabrielle, Kaden, Corinne, Leo, Ellie, Tucker, Samuel, Joseph, Payton, Dexter, Elizabeth, Victoria, Thomas, Theodore, Bradley, Avery, Daniel, Hank, Mykenzie, Stella, Wallace, Joanna, and Patrick; and great-great-grandchildren Carter, Rylan, Jayce, and Luna  all of whom were a constant source of pride and joy.

Louise is also survived by her brother, Steve Novak; and her sisters, Mary Trost, Debbie Jones, and Suzie Romeo.

Louise was preceded in death by her parents; Stanley and Geneva Coplea Novak and her husband, Kenneth Leo Mowrer; her daughter, Sandy Mowrer Bryant; her brothers, Donald "Bud" (Don) Novak, Timothy Novak, Thomas Novak, Vincent Novak, Stan "Jr." Novak, and Pete Novak; and her sisters, Nola Rae Wimberly, Shirley Brown, and Diane Abegglen.

Louise will be remembered for her quiet strength, generous heart, and deep devotion to her family. Her legacy of love, faith, and service lives on through the many lives she touched and the generations she helped guide with grace and kindness.