Obituaries

Lena

Darlene M. Livingston, 71

Darlene M. Livingston, age 71 of Lena, IL, passed away on Friday, March 5, 2021 at her home in Lena.

She was born on May 16, 1949 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of George and Marion (Ellison) Livingston. Darlene worked as a secretary for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department until retirement. She enjoyed taking walks, playing bingo, going to casinos and spending time with her family.

Darlene is survived by her daughter Leah Melendy; brothers- George (Mary Ann) Livingston, Jack (Marlene) Livingston, and Tom (Gail) Livingston; sisters- Pattie Gallo and Carol (Robert) Desmond; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Norm Powell.

Per Darlene’s request no services will be held at this time. Cremation rites have been accorded.

A memorial has been established in her memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com

Paula Klontz, 47

Paula Klontz, 47, of Lena, IL, formerly of McConnell, IL, passed away at home on Monday, February 22, 2021.

Paula was born on July 31, 1973 to Roger and Lonnie (Rickard) Klontz in Freeport, IL. She was married to Stephen Simpson (Tamara Simpson) for ten years; together they had two children. Paula owned her own home cleaning business. All of her clients appreciated, loved, and formed relationships with her. She was a passionate artist, always remodeling her home and refinishing furniture. She had a great sense of humor, her smile could brighten any room she was in. Paula loved spending time with her family and her friends.

Paula is survived by her two children- Claudia (Matt Klein) Simpson of Lena, IL, Henry (Abby Horning) Simpson of Roscoe, IL, a granddaughter- Dalen Sue, parents-Roger and Lonnie Klontz of McConnell, IL, sisters- Susan (Henry) Saavedra, Sandra Klontz, Viola (Aleks) Petroski, two nieces- Tillie and Alexia, a nephew- William, her best friend Sara Engels, and Curt Lawfer.

She was preceded in death by her brother Dalen.

A celebration of Paula’s life will be held at Curt’s home 14668 E Blackhawk Rd Kent, IL 61044, on March 20th between the hours of 1-4pm.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial has been established in her memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.

Stockton

LaVonne M. Jezbera, 81

LaVonne M. Jezbera, age 81, passed away on March 1, 2021, at Presence St. Joseph Center, Freeport, Illinois.

LaVonne was born on September 12, 1940, in Freeport, Illinois, the daughter of Roscoe and Alma (Coppernoll) Reed of Lena, Illinois. On April 3, 1981, she was married to Francis P. Jezbera, Jr. in Freeport, Illinois. Bud passed away on October 1, 2011. Bonnie retired from Freeport Metal Specialties Co. She was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Stockton, Illinois.

LaVonne is survived by sisters, Roberta Miller, Barbara Haug, and Jackie Haug, and sister-in-law, Carole Reed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, grandparents, brother, LaMoine Reed, on November 11, 2016, two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law.

Burial was in Ladies Union Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 12, in Stockton, Illinois. Law-Jones Funeral Home assisted the family. A memorial fund has been established in LaVonne’s name.

Bonnie Lynn (Endress) Sigafus, 64

Bonnie Lynn (Endress) Sigafus passed away unexpectedly on March 5, 2021.

She was born February 4, 1957, the daughter of Eugene and Gloria (Schumacher) Endress. She married Dennis Sigafus on August 19, 1978 in Massbach, Illinois. Bonnie graduated from Stockton High School with the class of 1975. She worked for Morgan Memorial Nursing home as a licensed dietician for 30 years. She enjoyed reading, sewing, baking, and nature watching.

She is survived by daughters: Patricia Holloway (Dave Kelly) of Glen Burnie, Maryland, Angela (Horace) Robinson of Marshall, Missouri, Michelle (Matt) Lee of Platteville, Wisconsin, and Roxanne (Randy Schultz) Sigafus of Cuba City, Wisconsin; grandchildren: Dustin, Jozlan, Brice, Brianna and Kristen; great-granddaughter Aliza; mother Gloria Endress, of Stockton, Illinois; sister Linda Vick of Freeport, Illinois; brother Richard (Lindy) Endress of Tucson, Arizona; and special friend Norm Evans.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her father Eugene Endress, husband Dennis Sigafus, and brother Karl Endress.

The funeral service was held on Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton. There was a visitation before the service beginning at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place at Elmwood Cemetery in Warren, IL. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Lanark

James Allen “Jim” Hook, 61

James Alan “Jim” Hook, age 61, of Lanark passed away after a sudden illness, Thursday, March 4, 2021at CGH Medical Center, Sterling, Illinois. A Celebration of Life service was held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 13, 2021 at the Law Jones Funeral Home in Mt. Carroll. Burial will be in Savanna Township Cemetery. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 13 at the Law Jones Funeral Home Mt. Carroll.

James was born June 2, 1959 in Savanna, the son of Donald and Euveta (Shepherd) Hook. He attended Mt. Carroll Schools.

Jim was known for his big smile and outgoing personality and enjoyed a good chuckle when his friends would tease him. Jim made many friends at Rolling Hills Progress Center where he worked for 40 years, earning “Worker of the Month” award several times. Jim looked forward to participating in Special Olympic events and returned home with numerous medals each year, proving he was an all-around athlete.

One of Jim’s favorite pastimes was bowling and as a youngster, went roller-skating with his mom, dad, sister and family friends nearly every weekend. Jim loved spending time with his dad, riding along as he plowed snow and sometimes was allowed to go along to a job site where he would sit for hours and watch his dad run a bulldozer. Jim was a big help at home, mowing grass and helping in the garden. He was fond of the cats and dogs that he grew up with and saw to it that they were well-cared for.

After his parents passed away, Jim moved to Lanark where he was able to live independently with the assistance of caregivers provided by Lutheran Social Services. On weekends, Jim was still willing to help his big brother Mike with maintenance of the family property at Center Hill where they grew up. Jim loved his riding lawnmower outfitted with a radio and “Oooga” horn, which he proudly sounded whenever visitors would come to call.

Like many people, Jim was a collector, and he was proud of his extensive hat collection and his growing set of solar-powered bobbing figurines that lined the window ledge of his apartment. He also loved John Deere items, and decorating for different holidays all year long.

Jim will be dearly missed by his many friends and family, sister Tammi Hook of Rock Falls and sister-in-law Jo Ann Hook of Mt. Carroll, and of course his Rolling Hills family and the many support staff from Lutheran Social Services. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Don and Euveta Hook, and older brother, Michael.

Lois Martz Barnes, 97

Lois Martz Barnes, age 97, passed away March 10, 2021 at Oakley Courts in Freeport.

Lois was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother! She had a strong Christian faith. She was a prayer warrior for everyone who called on her for prayers. She made it her priority to send lovingly chosen birthday greetings to every one of her family members, always timing their arrival perfectly!

Lois was born in Brookville Township, Illinois on February 15, 1924 to Nathaniel and Edna (Wehmeyer) Martz. She attended one room country schools and graduated from Lanark High School in 1941. On December 21, 1941, she and Ronald Barnes were married in Milledgeville. She and Ronald farmed for fifty years, retiring in 1983. They continued to live on their farm until 1996 when they moved to Shannon. Ronald passed away in 2004.

Lois was an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church. She taught Vacation Bible School, Sunday School, and Youth Fellowship for many years. She led the Children’s Mission Group in the old E.U.B. Church. She was a lifelong member of United Methodist Women, serving in many local offices as well as the Rockford District Mission Team, and the Rockford District Superintendent’s Committee.

Lois and Ronald were privileged to attend the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC in 1986. They were active in Lay Witness Teams. Lois attended many Bible studies, also leading some.

Lois was a Charter Member of the Carroll County H.E.A. and served on their Board. She served as a Cub Scout Den Leader and was a one on one visitor at Shannon Villas Nursing Home. She baked cookies for the Mentoring program at Eastland Middle School. She enjoyed church, Sunday School, fishing, the Cubs, and winter trips to their home in Florida.

Spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-granddaughter brought her much joy!

Surviving are her children: Joel (Betty) Barnes, Spring City, TN; Janet (Dan) Foust, Bishop, GA; Jeanne (Ken) Groezinger, Shannon, IL; and Jayne (Wayne) Grumbling, Indianapolis, IN; 10 grandhcildren, Susan (Bill) Lepianka, Valrico, FL; Joani (Brian) Bardell, Freeport, IL; Ronald J. Barnes and Al Dimmer, Trinity, FL; Alan Foust, Windber, PA; Andrew (Liz) Foust, Plainfield, IL; Anne (Marshall) Henderson, Katy, TX; Angela (Jeff) Norton, Lake Carroll, IL; Rich (Amy) Groezinger, Shannon, IL; Joshua Grumbling, Nagoya, Japan; Kristina (Minh) Chau, Indianapolis, IN; 17 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter. Also surviving; her brother, two sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband and brother.

Our heartfelt thanks to Sheila and the wonderful staff at Oakley Courts, for their loving care of Lois.

A private family service will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. A memorial fund has been established for the Rockford Rescue Mission. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.