Vivian Lefferts

Canton – Vivian W. Lefferts, 66, passed away on Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at UIC Hospital after a brief illness.

She was born on January 29, 1957 in Alton, IL to Walter and Pauline (Fluck) Wetzstein. They preceded her in death along with one son John A. Lefferts.

She married Larry Lefferts on July 5, 1980 in Godfrey, IL. He survives.

Also surviving is her daughter, Eleanor (Nathan) Gardner and grandchildren, Alina Hess and twins on the way, of Canton, brother, Jim (Karen) Wetzstein of Alton, sisters, Rita (Shawn Colyer) Bouillon of Sandy Utah and Kathryn (Vernon) DePauw of Jerseyville.

Vivian started working as a school teacher and later, together with her husband, owned and operated Central States Fireworks, Inc. After John became an eye, bone and tissue donor, Vivian and Larry worked tirelessly to promote donation. This included work with Eversight

Vision (Eye Bank), Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Network, the Illinois Secretary of State, and 8 years on the Donate Life Rose Parade Float Committee. She proudly rode on the Donate Life Float as a donor mom on January 1, 2013. She was a member of Delta Zeta Sorority (SIU-C) and the First Christian Church. From an early age she enjoyed crafting and creating and loved sharing this enjoyment with her granddaughter, Alina. Vivian dedicated countless volunteer hours to Westview Elementary where her daughter Eleanor is the Principal. She worked with the 3rd grade Hardy Party to instill a passion for reading and she and Larry worked hours sorting tickets and prizes for the school wide incentive program as well as generously providing a monthly coffee service for all Westview employees.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 11am until 1pm at the First Christian Church in Canton. A funeral service will be held at 1pm also at the Church. Refreshments will follow the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Westview Elementary School or Eversight Vision (Charitable Care for those in need of the gift of sight). Donations may be mailed to Oaks-Hines Funeral Home, 1601 E. Chestnut Street, Canton, IL 61520.

To view Vivian’s video tribute or to leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com