The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher-Owner
Due to the recent COVID-19 stay at home order and no gatherings of more than 10, and the rule of 6 feet social distancing, all funeral services in the state of Illinois are restricted to private family events.
But La Harpe has found a way to show their sympathy to the family of Bill Bennett after he passed away this week, and without breaking quarantine rules set by U.S. President Donald Trump and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker to try to halt the Coronavirus pendemic.
Holly Wildrick, who lives in La Harpe and attends the same La Harpe Christian Church as the Bennetts said, "It broke my heart for Mary to have to grieve alone. I grew up going to church with Bill and Mary and I wanted to find a way that we could express to Mary and the family that her community is thinking of them.
This is such an uncertain time, Holly said. But even though we can't socialize like we use to, I thought a drive-by at the family's home would let them know we are still here praying and caring.
So Holly contacted Mary to make sure it was okay and made a phone call to the local police to get approval before setting up an event on Facebook and asking all to spread the word to non-FB users.
Drive By Visitation for Bill Bennett
Sunday, March 29, at 2:45 PM
La Harpe Elementary School, 400 E Main St, La Harpe,
Line up in the school parking lot starting at 2:45pm and be escorted over to Park Lane at 3 pm for an opportunity to show Bill's family our love and support. You can make signs to hold up as you drive by and wave.
Bill had served our country proudly so if you have a flag let's honor him by waving or attaching it to your car!
AT NO TIME IS ANYONE TO LEAVE THEIR VEHICLE!!! NOT WHILE WAITING IN LINE OR TO GET OUT TO SEE THE FAMILY!!!
Please exit park lane back out onto the highway instead of coming back around the block. The road is narrow and this will help avoid congestion. Thank you!!
Holly said the turnout was overwhelming as car after car drove by the Bennetts while Mary and the family stood on their front porch.
Holly posted on FB afterwards, "Thank you everyone! I love our small town and what an example of love and support you all are."
"We can still let the Bennetts and others in the community know we are there for them. We can Facetime, Video Chat, write the old fashioned letters, and make phone calls.
Kevin Beals at Banks & Beals Funeral Home said the State Director of funeral homes talked about implementing drive-by visitations. but he hadn't done it as yet.
Holly said if a family wants her to help, she is more than happy to set up an "Drive-by" event.
"When people are isolated it can be a depressive time, and losing a loved one is extremely hard."
Residents line up in preparation for a drive-by visitation for the Bill Bennett family -photo by Bobby Wildrick