Harriett L. Abeln

Harriett L. Abeln, age 91, of Sherman, Illinois, formerly of Athens, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

She was born on January 19, 1934, in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Rudolph and Edith (Miller) Beccue.

Harriett married James “Jim” Abeln on January 31, 1954, in Athens, Illinois. Together they shared many years of love and devotion.

She is survived by two grandsons, Matty (wife Minda) Abeln and Joe Abeln; daughter-in-law, Kim Snyder; three great-grandchildren, Malakai, Maverick, and Maggie Abeln; two sisters-in-law, JoAnn Abeln and Peggy Hurt; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, in 2015; her son, Rick Abeln, in 2020; and six siblings.

Harriett was a 1952 graduate of Greenview High School. She was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Athens and, more recently, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Petersburg.

She was employed by the State of Illinois Department of Public Health, from which she retired in 1999.

Harriett enjoyed word searches, square dancing with her husband, traveling the Spoon River Drive, and dining out with friends and family. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family.

Visitation for Harriett will be held Friday, January 9, 2026 from 11:00 until time of funeral services at 12:00 Noon at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens, Illinois.

Burial at Indian Point Cemetery near Athens immediately after the services.

Memorial contributions can be made to her great grandchildren’s education fund c/o Matt Abeln.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.