MENDOTA - Holly Lynnette Faith Brantner, 69, of Mendota passed away Jan. 20, 2022 at Heritage Health, Mendota.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 27 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mendota with Rev. Ken Gibson officiating. Masks are required. Burial will be at Restland Cemetery, Mendota. Visitation will be for one hour prior to services at the church. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is assisting the family.

Holly was born Jan. 1, 1953 in Freeport to Wayne and Gladys (Truckenbrod) Brantner.

Survivors include two sisters, Bonnie Portwood and Becky Brantner; two nieces, Stephanie Portwood and Greta Christianson; one nephew, Brett Christianson; many cousins; and was also beloved by Kelly (Brent) Honegger, Kim (Jesse) Cusac and Scott (Barb) Mies and their families.

Holly graduated from Mendota High School in 1971, attended Luther College, and went on to receive an LPN degree from Mennonite Hospital in Bloomington. She continued her nursing career at Bromen Hospital and worked on medical/surgery floors and in hospice. Struggling with lifelong health issues herself led her to be an extremely kind, caring and compassionate nurse. She was an accomplished pianist and talented at playing piano by ear at 3 years old. She served as a worship pianist while living in Fairbury and often played solos at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Mendota. While at Heritage Health Care Center, she played for weekly worship services and gave several recitals for the other residents. She was very creative and enjoyed writing, poetry, painting, reading, sending cards and sewing gifts for friends and family. She had a strong commitment to God and enjoyed exploring the Bible with her Bible study group at St. John’s. Her deep faith carried her through even the darkest days.

Memorials may be directed to Mendota Area Senior Services or the Graves-Hume Public Library. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com.