Lois “Lou” Jean Donoho, a beloved resident of Centralia, IL, passed away on June 18th, 2026, at the age of 81. Born on Tuesday, December 26th, 1944, she is the daughter of Eugene Tendick and Mildred Dorothy (Hahn) Tendick. In 1977, she married Jan Donoho and they were married for 22 years.
Lou spent her early life in Mt. Pulaski, IL, where she developed her passion for community and connection. She enjoyed a fulfilling career as a switchboard operator for the Bell Telephone Company, was fondly remembered as one of the “Bell Girls,” and later served as a school secretary.
An avid card player, Lou cherished the times spent with friends around the card table, filled with laughter and camaraderie. She was also a devoted fan of soap operas, particularly “All My Children” and “The Young and The Restless.” Her love for adventure saw her enjoying many cruises, where she created cherished memories and new friendships.
Above all, Lou was a wonderful mother and a devoted member of her family and a member of the St. John’s Redeemer Church.
Lou is survived by her loving daughter, Jana Donoho of Centralia; her brother Donald Tendick and his wife Corrine of Virginia; her niece Eileen Perry of Virginia; and several other dear nieces and nephews.
Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene Tendick and Mildred Dorothy (Hahn) Tendick, and her infant brother, Roy Tendick.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 7 from 4:00pm – 6:00pm with a Celebration Of Life Service following at 6:00pm at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, where S.A.M. Lee Gross and Pastor Matthew Kemp will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to SSM Health at Home: Hospice and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Lou’s family. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home Facebook page. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Lou Donoho will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her legacy of love, friendship, and community spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
