Nella Mae Schlau, age 86, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 10:37 P.M. on Sunday, December 13, 2015, at Fireside House of Centralia in Centralia, Illinois. She was born on April 10, 1929 in Eldorado, Illinois, the daughter of Edward L. and Effie Mae (Smith) Baugher. She married Eugene Cecil "Gene" Schlau on September 18, 1948 in Edwardsville, Illinois and he preceded her in death on October 14, 2015.

Mrs. Schlau is survived by her sons, Steve Schlau and wife Becky of Trenton, Illinois, Jim Schlau and wife Missy of Centralia, Illinois, Bob Schlau and wife Elaine of Centralia, Illinois, and Jeff Schlau and wife Bev of Hoffman, Illinois, daughters, Barbara Hohn of Leesburg, Florida and Donna Smith and husband Vern of Highland, Illinois, 16 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, brother, Ed Baugher of Eldorado, Illinois, sister-in-law, Violet Osterholtz of Joliet, Illinois, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband of 67 years, Mrs. Schlau was preceded in death by her son, Henry Schlau, 3 brothers, John Baugher, Charles Baugher and James Baugher and 1 sister, Elaine Gardner.

Mrs. Schlau was a member of St. Peter United Church of Christ in Centralia, Illinois. She was also a member of the Collinsville American Legion Post # 365 and V.F.W. Post # 5691. She was a member of the St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary, where she was a Pink Lady for 20 years. Mrs. Schlau loved cooking, baking and canning. She enjoyed bowling. She liked crafts including painting and sewing. It was said by her family, "she was always there to take care of people." She cherished the time she spent with her family especially her children and grandchildren.

Mrs. Schlau was a medical lab technician, who worked at various Metro East Illinois Hospitals for over 40 years. She has lived in Centralia, Illinois since 1988 and formerly lived in Collinsville, Illinois from 1945 to 1988.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, December 18, 2015 at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois with Pastor Brett Palmer officiating. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park near Centralia, Illinois. Friends may call from 4:00 P.M. To 8:00 P.M. on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, December 18, 2015, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Schlau's memory to the Alzheimer's Association or St. Peter United Church of Christ in Centralia, Illinois. Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mrs. Schlau's family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on Facebook.