Christine E. (Bishop) Liles, 99, of Lena, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on May 8 ^th , 2022, at the Lena Living Center.  She was born on March 26, 1923 in Essex, England to Fredrick and Alice (Mills) Bishop.  Christine married Junior Liles on August 11, 1945 in Essex, England.  She moved to the United States later that year to join her new husband.

Christine was in great demand with her "Jitterbugging" when the "Yanks" came to the wartime dances in her hometown of Kelvedon.  This is where she caught Junior's eye.  Together, they built the Lena Drive Inn in 1963 and operated it until they retired 23 years later.   She was a member of the Lena United Methodist Church and a former member of the Lena American Legion Auxiliary.  Christine's British accent was still noticeable after 76 years in the United States and endeared her to all who met her.  She enjoyed a good game of euchre and also knitted well in to her 90s.

Christine is survived by her two sons, James (Joan) Liles of Lena, IL; and John (Julie) Liles of Lanark, IL; five grandchildren-Jared (Mandy Dunham), Jason, Jeffrey, Jordan Liles, and Kristina (Jim) Dowling; step-grandson- Justin (Ashley) Wolber; and step-great-grandchildren Corbin and Brodey Wolber.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Junior Liles in 2003, sisters Joy Bishop, Eileen Chaplin, and brother Harold Bishop.

Private family graveside services will be held at the Lena Burial Park.

Rev. Rick Bader will officiate the services.

A memorial has been established in her memory.

Condolence may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com .