Drema Miner (nee Forren)

Age 88 of Joliet, Illinois, died Friday, March 4, 2022, surrounded by her loving family at AMITA St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.

Born in Monroe County, West Virginia, Drema was a daughter of Oscar Emmet and Glenna Virginia (Hudnall) Forren. She attended Alderson High School where she was active in sports and played as a guard on the basketball team. She went on to marry Fred Richmond, and together they moved from Appalachia to Middletown, Ohio before settling and establishing their roots in Joliet, Illinois. Drema worked in the restaurant at Woolworths in Joliet for a short time, when the children were young but spent her career at DeSoto Chemical in Joliet from where she retired. Throughout the years working at DeSoto, Drema not only worked with her sister, but also enjoyed being part of a wonderful work family. She bowled on the DeSoto bowling team, and was active in PTA, when her kids were in school. Later on, Drema volunteered with Special Olympics and created many great memories in her Twinkie mascot costume.

She enjoyed gardening, both flowers and vegetables, and loved to crochet, leaving behind countless handmade heirlooms to family and friends. Drema took pleasure in cooking, and was an accomplished baker. She was honored from an early age with a blue ribbon for her lemon merengue pie at a county fair in West Virginia, and continued to treat family and friends her entire life with her infamous orange cakes, zucchini breads and vegetable soup. Family always remained at the center of Drema’s heart. She cherished the wonderful relationships she had with her sisters, and her love only grew greater as her family tree continued to blossom with grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

Drema never forgot her early upbringing, and would never allow anyone in her circle to go without anything in need. She always remained busy, whether it was cleaning or cooking, and in later years even prioritized making sure the ducks were well fed.  Drema was a gentle selfless soul who was beloved by all who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, she leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Survivors include four children: Roger (Lori) Richmond of Wilmington, Illinois, Bob Richmond of Florida, Patty (Steve) Byland of Minooka, Illinois and Jeff (Misty) Richmond of Plainfield, Illinois; her son-in-law, Mark Stofko of Plainfield; (13) grandchildren: Bradley Richmond, Patrick Richmond, Stephanie (Billy) Thompson, Tim (Terrilee) Byland, Stacey Stofko (John Tyson), Matthew Stofko, Nicholas (Tracy) Stofko, Jeff Richmond II, Kaitlyn (Brian) Hunter, Adam (Sarah) Vega, Krysten (Dustyn) Sadler, Jacob Vega and Kyrie’ (Matt) Sanders; (20) great-grandchildren: Landon, Tyler, Mary, Joey, Caleb, Dylan, Logan, Aiden, A.J., Brooklyn, Alexis, Brayden, Ava, Ezra, Eliana, Jack, Boaz, Augustine, Lillian, and Layla, with another expected; four great-great grandchildren: Ben, Daisy, Jacob and Elijah; two sisters: Shirley (the late Tom) Schlosser and Helen (the late Greg) Reineke, both of Ohio, and numerous nieces and nephews, including Myra (Bob) Parrish of Braidwood and Tanya (Add) Brunner of Ohio.

Drema was preceded in death by her parents; first husband and the father of her children, Fred Richmond; her second husband, Lavern Miner; one daughter, Shirley Stofko; one son Christopher in infancy, and siblings: Vaughna (William) Ochs, Junior Forren and Ruth (Ebb) Wickline.

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Thursday, March 10, 2022 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of funeral service, 7:00 p.m.

Those wishing to participate in the services virtually are welcome to join the live stream or watch on-demand by following the link available on Drema’s memorial page.

Cremation rites will be accorded following the services, and she will be laid to rest in her childhood home of Monroe County, Alderson, West Virginia.

Family and friends are encouraged to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Drema’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington, Illinois. (815-476-2181) www.BaskervilleFuneral.com