Lolita M. Varner

Lolita M. Varner, 101, of Carlinville, formerly of Sorento, passed away at 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at Carlinville Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

Lolita was born July 28, 1918 in Vinita, OK, the daughter of James M. and Annie M. (Williams) Thompson.  She went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree from the Central Bible Institute in Springfield, MO, and was then ordained as a minister in the Assembly of God church.  Lolita traveled the entire United States and Canada as an evangelist, and it was at a revival in Sorento where she met her future husband, Ernest C. Varner.  They were wed May 23, 1963 in Springfield, MO.  Their travels together led them to Salem, OR where they retired.  He preceded her in death on March 5, 1995.

Lolita was a long-time and devout member of the Assembly of God in Sorento.  She was a talented musician.  Lolita was an excellent accordionist, pianist, organist, and cordivox and ukulele player.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; step-daughter, Carol Elaine (Varner) Scheldt; brother, Alan Thompson; sisters, Marie Young and Christine Foster; and in-laws, Andrew Varner, Ruth Whiteside, Edward Varner, and Marjorie Bryant.

Lolita is survived by her son-in-law, Ralph Scheldt of Carlinville; granddaughter, Elizabeth (husband, Luke) Wright of Bella Vista, AR; great granddaughters, Caroline and Katie Jo Wright; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation & Funeral Ceremony: The family will receive guests from 10:00 a.m. until the time of ceremony at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2020 at the Assembly of God, 303 S. Hill Street, Sorento, IL 62086 with Pastor Steve Schmidt officiating.

Interment will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery in Sorento.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Assembly of God, 303 S. Hill Street, Sorento, IL 62086.

The family has entrusted Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home, 201 S. Main Street, Sorento, IL 62086 with ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.