Roberta “Bobbi” Thomas
Trinity, Chenoa
NorthEast Conference Representative
rathomas@ilstu.edu
Roberta “Bobbi” Thomas is a disciple at Trinity Lutheran Church, Chenoa. She is co-president of the congregation council, taught Sunday School for many years, and plans and delivers Peace Meals. As part of the seven-church Servants United Parish, she sings in the parish choir and participates in women’s Bible studies. She also sings at United Methodist Church and attends Grace Lutheran Church in Brill, Wisconsin, when at their cabin in Sarona.
Bobbi worked at Illinois State University for more than 50 years, retiring in 2009 as director of scheduling. She has been married to Ed for more than 60 years with two sons and four grandchildren.
She has previously served on the board of the Central/Southern Illinois Synod Women of the ELCA. In 2011, she attended her first Women of the ELCA Triennial Convention in Spokane, Washington, and has attended all since then.
Beverly Gross
First English, Peoria
Northern Conference Representative
b.gross2649@icloud.com
Northwest Conference Representative
Open
Mary Jo Erickson
Grace, Champaign
East Central Conference Representative
mjerickson30@gmail.com
I am a member of Grace Lutheran Church, Champaign, Illinois and serve as treasurer of Faith Circle. Since retiring in 2020 from being an occupational therapist for the Champaign Special Education Department, I’ve enjoyed volunteering at church.
I’m grateful for being raised in the Lutheran Church and have many happy memories of growing up in the First Lutheran Church community in Decatur. Now I love Grace Lutheran Church, Champaign and WELCA for the fellowship, service opportunities and chance to grow in my Christian faith. I like sharing thoughts and feelings with the women in our Circle and using Gather Magazine as a resource for discussion.
Linda Davis
St. John’s Episcopal, Centralia
Southern Conference Representative
Lindadavis70@yahoo.com
Linda is active in her home congregation, where she serves on the church council, participates in a Bible study group, and volunteers in several church activities, including the Strawberry Festival Ice Cream Social. A retired elementary school teacher and mother of three, Linda is excited to meet women in our Southern Conference and to learn more about the WELCA organization.
Sharon Zuiderveld
Faith, Jacksonville
West Central Conference Representative
sharon.zuiderveld@gmail.com
As a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Sharon have been involved in many activities over the years: organist, Sunday School teacher, worship committee member, and, more recently, as the congregational care coordinator.
She is retired from being director of the Jacksonville Public Library and, prior to that, was the cataloger of children's materials at Bound to Stay Bound Books. With her late husband, she has three adult sons and five grandchildren. Her hobbies include traveling, quilting, and reading.