M. Tracy Carpenter of Tuscola, IL, passed away at 3:05 p.m. Monday, December 6, 2010 at the Pleasant Meadows Christian Village, Chrisman, IL.

At the time of her birth on June 18, her parents, James Milton and Mary (Creviston) Cox lived north of Tuscola. Later they moved to the Mt. Gilead area where Tracy grew up.

After graduating from Tuscola Community High School in 1934, Tracy worked for several years at Jarman Hospital. In June 1946, she successfully completed a business training course at Barry Castle School of Business Training. In July 1946 she began working at State Farm in Bloomington, IL. She began as a stenographer, became a secretary for a manager in the tax division, and then worked as an accountant in the fire company. Every weekend she returned to Tuscola to spend time with her dad, family and friends.

Tracy returned to Tuscola when she married Charles Eugene "Gene" Carpenter on July 20, 1958 in Athens, IL. He preceded her in death on January 6, 1994.

Almost immediately, Tracy's business acumen was put to use as Gene's associate in his/their business, Carpenter's Clothing Store, a Tuscola mainstay for 45 years. Eventually, Tracy convinced Gene to add a balcony in the store and women's clothing became a feature of Carpenter's. Tracy's flair for fashion dove-tailed with Gene's sense of style.

Tracy was a long-time member of the Tuscola United Methodist Church. She was a member of several area organizations including: Tuscola Chamber of Commerce, Tuscola Economic Development, Inc., Tuscola Business and Professional Women, American Legion Auxiliary Unit #27 and Stephen A. Douglas D.A.R. She was a charter member of the Douglas County Museum Association and Douglas County Illinois Genealogical Society, serving as editor of its newsletter for seventeen years.

Actively involved in the Tuscola Chapter #44, Order of Eastern Star, Tracy served as worthy matron in 1969, 1978 and 1997 and held other offices as well through the years.

Tracy always had a project underway. After Carpenter's Clothing Store closed, she began working on the genealogy of the Cox family, the Creviston family, and eventually the Carpenter family. The Cox and Creviston information complete with photo reproductions is printed in two separate books. Tracy kept alive the quilting tradition of her mother and sister and made several quilts. In addition, she made many cross-stitch pictures which her niece and nephews cherish.

For years, Tracy organized an annual reunion of the TCHS Class of 1934. The Great Depression impacted her class; no yearbook was published in 1934. Tracy made a yearbook for each person attending the reunion one year.

Determined, strong, gentle and kind, Tracy cared greatly for family, friends and her community.

She is survived by her niece: Elaine Lance Kunz of Lambertville, MI; nephews: Clarence Lance of Hindsboro, IL; Bob Lance of Brocton, Il; James Cox of Clinton, IA; an adopted daughter: Rebecca Deffenbaugh; a cousin: Anna May Fritz of Arlington Heights, IL; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother: Millard C. Cox and sister: Mary Lenore Lance.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 am, Thursday, December 9, 2010 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL, with the Rev. Patty Johansen officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:30 am until time of services on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Tuscola Township Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the S.A.M. Food Pantry or the charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences to the family may be sent to hilligossshraderfh.com