Lyrics:
There’s a chair by the window where you used to sit
Sunlight fallin’ soft on it
And I still hear your voice in the quiet of the room
Like you never really left too soon
You had a way of sayin’ things
That made the whole world feel alright
Even on the hardest days
You’d turn the dark to light
“I love you, a bushel, a peck
And a hug around the neck”
You said it like a promise
We could never forget
Now I say it back to you
Though you’re somewhere I can’t see yet
“I love you, a bushel, a peck
And a hug around the neck”
I picture you in heaven now, just the same
Callin’ everybody by their name
Probably bakin’, probably laughin’ loud
Gatherin’ angels all around
And I know when my time comes
And I walk through those gates
You’ll be standin’ right there
Smilin’ like you couldn’t wait
“I love you, a bushel, a peck
And a hug around the neck”
I can almost hear you say it
Like you never left
And I’ll run into your arms
With every tear I never wept
“I love you, a bushel, a peck
And a hug around the neck”
So I’ll carry every word you gave
Every laugh, every lesson saved
And pass it down so they all know
The kind of love that never goes
“I love you, a bushel, a peck
And a hug around the neck”
It’s more than just a sayin’
It’s a life I won’t forget
So until we meet again
I’ll hold on to every breath
“I love you, a bushel, a peck
And a hug around the neck”
Love you, Grandma…
A bushel… a peck…
And a hug around the neck
Florence "Flossie" LettaBea Schroader, 91, of Bloomington, passed on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the Loft of Eureka Nursing Home.
She was born on December 8, 1934, in Bloomington, daughter of Arlie George and Bernice Virginia Simmons VanHook. She married Floyd Louis Schroader in 1953, he preceded her in death.
Surviving are children, Debra (David) Gaines, Ken Schroader and Teresa (Jeff) Davis, all of Bloomington, IL; sister, Sharon (Greg) Burger of Texas; brother, Larry VanHook of Florida; 12 grandchildren, Michelle Mills, Angela Fesse, Eric Mills, Timothy Mills, Shannon Davis, Heather Giarnella, Joshua Schroader, Janice Kunkle, Melissa DeBord, Jennifer Schroader, Wesley Modine and Richard Schroader; 32 great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are brothesr-in-law, Danny Schroader and Bill White of Kentucky, and several cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who meant very much to her.
She was preceded in death by one son, Keith; sister, Joan Ives of California; brother, Jack VanHook of Bloomington; one great-grandchild and one great-great grandchild.
Florence was a 1952 graduate of Bloomington High School and she retired after a 26 year career at Eureka-Williams Company. She volunteered as a "Candy Striper" at Mennonite Hospital. Flossie had many jobs over the years. They included the Admiral Co. on the assembly line, the Baby Fold cooking for the children, baking biscuits at Hardees at 4 a.m. each day, was an aide at the Maple Grove Nursing Home on South Main in Bloomington and an in home Personal Care Assistant. Her most enjoyable pastime was as a childcare provider and chef for many families.
Her faith was very important to her as an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Normal, Illinois. She held many positions in the children's Primary including President, Sunday School Teacher and Chorister, leading the children in songs of worship.
Music was an important part of her life. She shared her beautiful voice in many ways such as singing on Sunday afternoons with friends and family in her home, to special events as a vocalist and in the church choir or just any old time she felt like it.
She never knew a stranger. Her home was always open to anyone who needed a place to shelter, be fed, or just in friendship. Florence was an honorary Mother, Grandmother and Sister to countless people. She left an indelible mark on this world.
She will be missed by many, but Florence is now part of God's choir of Angels.
Memorial visitation
Friday, April 24th, 2026
East Lawn Funeral Home, Bloomington, IL
Service to follow at 11
Internment
Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington, IL
If you are unable to attend, a livestream and presentation of her life will be posted on this here.