Cleta M. Tallcott, age 100, of Loraine, Illinois, passed away at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at Golden Good Shepherd Home in Golden, Illinois.

She was born January 6, 1926, in Stillwell, Illinois, the daughter of James and Kathryn (Haistings) Elston. She was a 1944 graduate of Mendon High School.

Cleta married Harold L. Tallcott in 1946 in Carthage, Illinois. Harold preceded her in death on September 12, 1988. Together, they operated a farm and raised their family. Cleta was dedicated to her duties as a farm wife, taking part in cake decorating, canning, quilting, sewing, crocheting, and crafting Afghans, as well as maintaining fences and caring for livestock. She also took particular care in cleaning the combine windows annually.

In 1984, Cleta and her husband relocated to Loraine. There, she became involved in community card clubs and was a regular participant at Saturday night square dances in both Loraine and Stillwell. Despite the move, she continued to maintain a close connection to the farm, making daily visits and diligently attending to its needs.

Cleta was a member of the Mendon Congregational Church.

Survivors include two sons: Monte (Kelly) Tallcott of Loraine, Illinois, and Larry (Jo) Tallcott of Loraine, Illinois; one daughter-in-law, Mary (Roger) Lakamp of Chapin, Illinois; grandchildren: Shawn (Sharon) Tallcott of Loraine, Illinois, Ron (Jenn) Tallcott of Quincy, Illinois, Nicole Tallcott of Kirksville, Missouri, Kate (Tim) Fridolph of Red Oak, Iowa, and Vince Tallcott of Decatur, Illinois; and great-grandchildren, Cordin (Hannah), Clayton, Lorelai, Peyton, Genavieve, Lexy, Lawson, Libby, Eleanor, and Eloise, Numerous nieces, nephews and other family survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harold; her son, James H. Tallcott; granddaughter Michelle Tallcott; great-granddaughter Ashton Cordray; great-grandson Gus Fridolph; and her six siblings.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the J. Otto Funeral Home in Mendon with Larry Smith officiating. Burial will follow at New Loraine Cemetery in Loraine, Illinois.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at the J. Otto Funeral Home in Mendon. Memorials may be made to the First Congregational Church of Mendon or to the New Loraine Cemetery Association.